Ashwani Balayan: Partner & Practice Head - Patents And IP Litigation Practice
Ashwani Balayan
Partner & Practice Head
Ashwani Balayan is a Partner and Practice Head of ALG's Patents and IP litigation practice. His practice spans across prosecution, counselling, enforcement, and litigation in the field of IP. He specializes in designing strategies for enforcement and dispute resolution in contentious proceedings including oppositions, revocations, and court litigation. As a registered patent attorney, his core areas of expertise is in drafting, prosecuting and enforcing patent claims across different areas of technologies, with special emphasis on biotechnology and pharmaceutical related inventions. In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Ashwani speaks about his journey.
Give us a brief detail about your educational and professional journey and how has it helped you so far?
The journey has been eventful and thrilling to say the least. With a strong interest in applied sciences, I started my professional education with engineering in Biotech from one of the top programs in India at School of Biotechnology, G.G.S.I.P University, New Delhi. While this was an integrated M.Tech course, something interesting happened in the last semester of B.Tech, which would set the trajectory for my later journey I was introduced to the field of IP and patents. I distinctly remember that it was through the course book on “Law and Strategy of Biotechnology patents” by Kenneth D Sibley. It was like love at first sight with the subject, and I knew it then that this is what I wanted to do. Coincidentally, it was the year when IIT Kharagpur launched its first LL.B. program (with specialization in IP) for science graduates. I worked through a lot of resistance around me and dropped my M.Tech to enrol for the first batch of course (2006-09). The move from science into law was throughoutchallenging, transformative, and enlightening. I qualified the Patent Agent exam at the earliest opportunity in 2008 to become one of the youngest if not the youngest patent attorney in the country. I joined ALG in April 2010. From being a part of about 6 member firm in 2010 to become a legal owner of 60 member firm in 10 years, journey at ALG has been immensely exciting and satisfying. During my law practice, I also took the challenge of pursuing in parallel my LL.M. in IPR from 2011-13. I consider myself privileged for all the people I have met during my journey so far, many of whom ended up being good friends, colleagues, partners, clients, and mentor. The enrichment I have derived from everyone around me is clearly the highlight for me.
As the partner & Practice Head of ALG India Law offices LLP, what different roles & responsibilities have you been undertaking?
In addition to working on client files and supervising the practice of patents and IP litigation, I undertake and manage a diverse set of roles and responsibilities at the firm. One of the many roles which I enjoy doing involves constantly stream lining and upgrading internal systems and processes at the firm. ALG handles IP portfolios of several Fortune 500 companies, and I am of the strong view that providing quality, efficient, smooth, and compliant services to the Clients require not only sophisticated and advanced technology support at the backend, but also a dynamic one with constant upgrades and customizations to meet the need of different practices and industries. On this front, I can proudly and confidently say that we are one of the leading IP firms in the country. Another role which I find enriching and important is what is commonly known as client relations and business development, which involves meeting different professionals and individuals in different capacities and environment. Taking regular inputs and feedback from the Clients to help us improve our practice is also integral part of my role. I am also an active member of many committees at several international organizations. I enjoy writing, making representations and contributions as India representative for these organizations. Currently, for 2022-23 term, I am a Vice Chair of the Asian Practice Committee of the IPO (Intellectual Property Owners Association) and a member of the Designs Committee of INTA.
What were the initial challenges that taught you the basic lessons of developing, implementing and managing the legal issues for organizations and how did those help you achieve the success that you had in the later phase?
Transition from core science into law required a sophisticated calibration of the perspective and approach, which has certainly helped me managing the challenging situations in a much more efficient and better way. Easy and quick navigation from microscopic to macroscopic perspective on any issue is important for being a good lawyer, professional, and manager.
A Partner at ALG for over ten years and also heading the firm's patents and IP litigation practice, what are some of the strategies that you have deployed in the organization and what has been the outcome?
One of the most successful strategies which I apply across the board in my practice is the high standards of legal and professional ethics. I learnt and realized its rewards very early in my profession. Though it may sound like a cliché, but small things like being responsive and being honest with the client goes a long way, and still remains largely under appreciated in the practice of law. I have worked hard to develop and design the systems, processes, and standards around it to grow the practice at the firm. This is something on which I always emphasize upon in the training sessions to other members of the firm.
How do you keep your employees
In addition to working on client files and supervising the practice of patents and IP litigation, I undertake and manage a diverse set of roles and responsibilities at the firm. One of the many roles which I enjoy doing involves constantly stream lining and upgrading internal systems and processes at the firm. ALG handles IP portfolios of several Fortune 500 companies, and I am of the strong view that providing quality, efficient, smooth, and compliant services to the Clients require not only sophisticated and advanced technology support at the backend, but also a dynamic one with constant upgrades and customizations to meet the need of different practices and industries. On this front, I can proudly and confidently say that we are one of the leading IP firms in the country. Another role which I find enriching and important is what is commonly known as client relations and business development, which involves meeting different professionals and individuals in different capacities and environment. Taking regular inputs and feedback from the Clients to help us improve our practice is also integral part of my role. I am also an active member of many committees at several international organizations. I enjoy writing, making representations and contributions as India representative for these organizations. Currently, for 2022-23 term, I am a Vice Chair of the Asian Practice Committee of the IPO (Intellectual Property Owners Association) and a member of the Designs Committee of INTA.
I feel that if you can't keep your team happy, you won't be able to keep your clients happy, which something we have been working hard on
What were the initial challenges that taught you the basic lessons of developing, implementing and managing the legal issues for organizations and how did those help you achieve the success that you had in the later phase?
Transition from core science into law required a sophisticated calibration of the perspective and approach, which has certainly helped me managing the challenging situations in a much more efficient and better way. Easy and quick navigation from microscopic to macroscopic perspective on any issue is important for being a good lawyer, professional, and manager.
A Partner at ALG for over ten years and also heading the firm's patents and IP litigation practice, what are some of the strategies that you have deployed in the organization and what has been the outcome?
One of the most successful strategies which I apply across the board in my practice is the high standards of legal and professional ethics. I learnt and realized its rewards very early in my profession. Though it may sound like a cliché, but small things like being responsive and being honest with the client goes a long way, and still remains largely under appreciated in the practice of law. I have worked hard to develop and design the systems, processes, and standards around it to grow the practice at the firm. This is something on which I always emphasize upon in the training sessions to other members of the firm.
How do you keep your employees
keen and motivated?
Empowerment in decision making and constant appreciation for the good work. I am fortunate to have very dedicated group of professionals working at the firm with high standards of integrity and work ethic.
What are some of the new age challenges confronted by this market and how do you safeguard your clients/customers from these flaring challenges?Does your approach contribute towards trendsetting?
Post Covid there has been a paradigm shift on all fronts, whether it be hiring and training of new associates or handling client query on a file. One of ALG's USP has always been reliance upon technology and automation. We are not only a paper less firm, but have highly advanced and inhouse systems for docketing, billing, filing, client logins, regulatory compliances, training modules, internships, hiring etc. This enables an error fee, efficient and up to date functioning, which reduces costs for the Client. I have been spearheading and overseeing many of these projects at the firm. While we achieved all this much prior to the Covid outbreak, we see that the industry is now moving towards automation in the practice of law.
Why did you choose Delhi to be the breeding ground of your company? How has been the city favoring you so far in your operations?
Delhi is home for me. Born and brought up in Delhi, I am fond of the city, its weather, food, and people. Fortunately, Delhi is also home for IP in India. Delhi is also the seat for one of the most active High Courts for adjudication of IP matters in India, and also of course the Supreme Court of India.
Which are some of the key milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction both as an individual and a Partner & Practice Head?
Some of the recent milestones include my ranking amongst India's top Intellectual Property Lawyers of 2021 by Thomson Reuters'Asian Legal Business(ALB). Also, I have been appointed as a Vice Chair of the Asian Practice Committee of the IPO (Intellectual Property Owners Association) for the next term.
Who are your role models or mentors? Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
Fortunately, I have two. First is Rakesh Prasad, one of the founding partners of the firm. He has been and continues to be a mentor. Second is Sheja Ehtesham, the current Managing Partner of the firm.
Ashwani Balayan, Partner & Practice Head, ALG India Law Offices
Ashwani focuses on developing enforcement and dispute resolution tactics in contentious proceedings such as oppositions, revocations and court litigation.
•Hobby: Reading books and writing quotes
•Favourite Book: Surely You're Joking Mr. Fyenman
•Travel Destination: New Zealand
•Awards & Recognition: Ranked amongst India's top Intellectual Property Lawyers of 2021 by Asian Legal Business (ALB)
Location: New Delhi
Empowerment in decision making and constant appreciation for the good work. I am fortunate to have very dedicated group of professionals working at the firm with high standards of integrity and work ethic.
What are some of the new age challenges confronted by this market and how do you safeguard your clients/customers from these flaring challenges?Does your approach contribute towards trendsetting?
Post Covid there has been a paradigm shift on all fronts, whether it be hiring and training of new associates or handling client query on a file. One of ALG's USP has always been reliance upon technology and automation. We are not only a paper less firm, but have highly advanced and inhouse systems for docketing, billing, filing, client logins, regulatory compliances, training modules, internships, hiring etc. This enables an error fee, efficient and up to date functioning, which reduces costs for the Client. I have been spearheading and overseeing many of these projects at the firm. While we achieved all this much prior to the Covid outbreak, we see that the industry is now moving towards automation in the practice of law.
Why did you choose Delhi to be the breeding ground of your company? How has been the city favoring you so far in your operations?
Delhi is home for me. Born and brought up in Delhi, I am fond of the city, its weather, food, and people. Fortunately, Delhi is also home for IP in India. Delhi is also the seat for one of the most active High Courts for adjudication of IP matters in India, and also of course the Supreme Court of India.
Which are some of the key milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction both as an individual and a Partner & Practice Head?
Some of the recent milestones include my ranking amongst India's top Intellectual Property Lawyers of 2021 by Thomson Reuters'Asian Legal Business(ALB). Also, I have been appointed as a Vice Chair of the Asian Practice Committee of the IPO (Intellectual Property Owners Association) for the next term.
Who are your role models or mentors? Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
Fortunately, I have two. First is Rakesh Prasad, one of the founding partners of the firm. He has been and continues to be a mentor. Second is Sheja Ehtesham, the current Managing Partner of the firm.
Ashwani Balayan, Partner & Practice Head, ALG India Law Offices
Ashwani focuses on developing enforcement and dispute resolution tactics in contentious proceedings such as oppositions, revocations and court litigation.
•Hobby: Reading books and writing quotes
•Favourite Book: Surely You're Joking Mr. Fyenman
•Travel Destination: New Zealand
•Awards & Recognition: Ranked amongst India's top Intellectual Property Lawyers of 2021 by Asian Legal Business (ALB)
Location: New Delhi