Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates has made gains in the corporate finance area, as it looks beyond its mainstay intellectual property practice. The firm advised Chinese law firm Jincheng Tonga & Neal on financial and corporate matters relating to its representation of China Development Bank. This was connected to CDB’s grant of a loan to the Sri Lanka Ministry of Finance & Planning for the purpose of a road construction project in the country.

“Sudath Perera Associates is known for its disputes work,” says one rival partner. “Perera himself is a known quantity in the litigation field.” The firm has a steady flow of work, with another peer noting: “It has an impressive volume of work.” The firm’s dispute resolution team advises clients such as Fonterra Brands, Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC. Cases typically include tax and customs disputes, money recovery and debt recovery matters. The firm employs 11 partners in its structure, with a dedicated money recovery litigation department that provides “end to end dispute resolution needs”, say clients.

The IP practice at Sudath Perera Associates is a “well oiled outfit”, says a peer. Name partner Sudath Perera is highly respected by the field, with one client saying: “He is an engaged practitioner; probably one of the best in IP matters in the country.” The firm is well known for its IP work, and counts among its key clients such well known corporate brands as Microsoft, Adobe and Autodesk, and Lacoste. A notable case last year was the firm’s representation of Limited Brands in a criminal action against a shop and its warehouse for the sale of counterfeit Victoria’s Secret garments. This matter was completed in April 2011 and was valued at US$10 million.