Intellectual Property: Pakistan

THE FIRM This local leader has long enjoyed an excellent reputation for its IP practice. The firm has a strong roster of regional and international clients and advises on the full spectrum of trade marks, patents and copyright matters. Recently, the 24-strong team has seen a significant amount of domain name-related work as well as general trade mark enforcement, prosecution and litigation issues. Notable clients include Dell, Sony, Japan Tobacco and Hitachi.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Zulfiqar Khan is praised for his expertise in media-related IP matters, handling copyrights, personality rights and technology issues.

THE FIRM This firm's outstanding offering in IP is due to a comprehensive practice which covers trade marks, patents, copyright and domain name issues. The team is experienced in all aspects of filing, enforcement, prosecution and litigation. Boasting one of the largest IP teams in the country, this group undertakes work on a national and international basis, and frequently acts on sizeable mandates in the Middle East and across Asia.

Sources say: "Definitely a leading firm for IP; they have a very, very solid practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hasan Irfan Khan is a "well-known, knowledgeable lawyer," according to interviewees. He heads the firm's Lahore-based practice.  

THE FIRM Vellani & Vellani has over seven decades of experience in the IP field. It lives up to its long-standing reputation, offering high-end advice in trade mark, design and copyright protection and commercialisation, including handling licensing and franchising issues. The Karachi-based team often advises domestic and foreign clients from the tobacco, infrastructure and pharmaceutical industries.

Sources say: "A strong IP practice that has gone from strength to strength."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees reveal that Badaruddin Vellani "always offers real insight into matters." Alongside IP, his practice also focuses on corporate and commercial work.

THE FIRM This well-established boutique firm has an excellent IP knowledge base, covering patent, design, copyright and trade mark issues. Litigation and enforcement are key strengths of the practice. Key clients include Reckitt Benckiser, Ella Cheong Spruson & Ferguson, Colgate-Palmolive and Shell.

Sources say: "An extremely responsive and very efficient group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heading the firm, Mohammad Fazil Bharucha earns accolades for his broad expertise and wealth of experience.

THE FIRM This national firm has a long track record in this sector. It offers a strong practice that covers the full range of IP services, encompassing trade mark, patent, copyright and design protection. A highlight for the team was representing Eye Network Television in a complex copyright infringement issue relating to four of its channels, Hum TV, Style 360, Masala TV and Oye. Other notable clients include Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, AstraZeneca and Nike.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karachi-based Khurram Rashid heads the practice. He led the Eye Network matter mentioned above and is described as an "effective, committed and knowledgeable lawyer."