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

“The lawyers at FJ&G de Saram are probably the best you can find in the country,” says one client. The firm’s IP practice possesses some of the top talents at the firm, and deservedly retains its top tier ranking this year. One peer says: “One can’t ... [more]

“The lawyers at FJ&G de Saram are probably the best you can find in the country,” says one client. The firm’s IP practice possesses some of the top talents at the firm, and deservedly retains its top tier ranking this year. One peer says: “One can’t fault the firm; it is a splendid name in the market.” A long standing matter for the firm is its representation of Ceylon Brewery in a trade mark infringement action against a local company and its foreign owner for its well known lion device mark. This matter is pending before the Commercial High Court of Colombo, with LKR50 million (US$450,000) at stake.

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“IP matters are the specialty of John Wilson Partners,” says one partner at a rival firm. “The firm is up there with the very best in the country.” Managing partner John Wilson is a celebrated practitioner, with clients and peers in agreement that “he’s ... [more]

“IP matters are the specialty of John Wilson Partners,” says one partner at a rival firm. “The firm is up there with the very best in the country.” Managing partner John Wilson is a celebrated practitioner, with clients and peers in agreement that “he’s a fantastic lawyer”. The firm advises the film producer Dreamworks Animation as its regular IP counsel in Sri Lanka. One notable case in the last year was the firm’s work for the Mexican producer of Corona beer with regards to trade mark protection in the country. Other well known clients include Nike, Perfetti, Lindt, Dole, L’Oreal and Diageo.

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Julius & Creasy is historically a powerful player in the legal industry in Sri Lanka, and its prowess in IP matters is “top class”, says a peer. The firm retains its position in the rankings this year, with one client commenting: “The lawyers provide ... [more]

Julius & Creasy is historically a powerful player in the legal industry in Sri Lanka, and its prowess in IP matters is “top class”, says a peer. The firm retains its position in the rankings this year, with one client commenting: “The lawyers provide top quality advice, as expected from a firm of this calibre.” A highlight matter in the last year was the firm’s representation of Unilever on an infringement case regarding the client’s Lipton Yellow Label Tea. Partners J M Swaminathan and Anomi Wanigasekera headed up this matter, which closed in November 2010 with the infringing parties discontinuing production of the infringing goods. Other notable clients of the firm include Mars and International Cricket Council.

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“DL&F de Saram is a one-stop shop for legal services in Sri Lanka,” says an international client. The firm is involved in various cross border matters, and has maintained a considerable IP expertise. One competitor says: “I would rate it in IP by virtue ... [more]

“DL&F de Saram is a one-stop shop for legal services in Sri Lanka,” says an international client. The firm is involved in various cross border matters, and has maintained a considerable IP expertise. One competitor says: “I would rate it in IP by virtue of its clients as well as its ability.” The firm advised local conglomerate Capital Maharaja Organisation and PepsiCo India in matters regarding the restructuring and transfer of 50 trade marks. Foreign firms place great trust in the firm’s legal capabilities, with Korea’s Manmin IP & Law and Japan’s Sakai International Patent Office retaining the firm for advice on domestic legal and IP issues.

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Murugesu & Neelakandan boasts an IP practice that is “decidedly excellent in the country”, says one competitor. The firm provides the full spectrum of IP services to esteemed clients such as Rolls-Royce, Google, Research in Motion, Hilton Worldwide, ... [more]

Murugesu & Neelakandan boasts an IP practice that is “decidedly excellent in the country”, says one competitor. The firm provides the full spectrum of IP services to esteemed clients such as Rolls-Royce, Google, Research in Motion, Hilton Worldwide, Audi, Levi Strauss Singer, ICI Paints Akzonobel and Hermes International on its books. A particular highlight is the firm’s trade mark work, with one client noting: “The firm is quite thorough, and is able to pursue matters even in an international context.” The firm provides domestic legal support to numerous foreign law firms, such as Australia’s Davies Collision Cave and Spruson & Ferguson, and UK firms Stevens Hewlett & Perkins, D Young & Co and JA Kemp & Co.

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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.” ... [more]

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.

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Shaam & Associates “Shaam & Associates is a growing IP firm in the country,” says a partner at a rival firm. “I rate it.” The firm remains a high quality IP service provider, with one client noting its “versatility and dedication to IP”. An area ... [more]

Shaam & Associates

“Shaam & Associates is a growing IP firm in the country,” says a partner at a rival firm. “I rate it.” The firm remains a high quality IP service provider, with one client noting its “versatility and dedication to IP”. An area of specialty for the firm is in the area of copyrights, where it represents publishing clients in the protection of their IP rights with regards to translations and the unauthorised printing of their products.

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