This article was first published on our earlier website. For current law and practice, see our Knowledge Centre.
An intellectual property lawyer (also called an IP lawyer, IPR lawyer or intellectual property attorney) is an advocate who advises on, registers and enforces rights in inventions, brands, designs and creative work. In India, the right person depends on the task: patent filing needs a registered patent agent, court action needs an advocate, and many matters need both. PRASA IP's founders, Praneetha K Rasbag and Sanath V Madgula, are registered Indian patent agents and advocates based in Bengaluru.
Reviewed by Sanath V Madgula, registered Indian patent agent (IN/PA-5004) and advocate ยท Updated 22 October 2026
Key points
- An IP lawyer covers patents, trade marks, designs, copyright, trade secrets and IP contracts, from filing to disputes.
- Only a registered patent agent can draft and file patent applications for others in India. Check the agent's number on the IP India register.
- Only an advocate enrolled with a State Bar Council can argue IP cases in court.
- Ask for a written, stage-by-stage quote. Official fees are separate and follow the IP India schedule.
- Most IP work in India is filed online, so location matters less than technical fit and who does the work.
What an intellectual property lawyer does
- Patents: patentability searches, drafting, filing, responses to examination reports, hearings, oppositions and PCT or foreign filings.
- Trade marks: clearance searches, registration, replies to objections, oppositions and renewals.
- Designs and copyright: industrial design registration under the Designs Act, 2000 and copyright registration and licensing.
- Contracts: IP assignment, licensing, technology transfer and confidentiality agreements.
- Enforcement: cease-and-desist letters, infringement analysis, freedom-to-operate reviews and litigation support.
IP lawyer, patent agent or trade mark agent?
| IP lawyer (advocate) | Registered patent agent | Trade mark agent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Law degree, enrolled with a State Bar Council | Science or engineering degree and the patent agent examination | Registered with the Trade Marks Registry |
| Patent Office filings | Only if also a registered patent agent | Yes | No |
| Trade mark filings | Yes | No, unless also an advocate or trade mark agent | Yes |
| Court cases | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Disputes, contracts, trade marks | Drafting and prosecuting patents | Trade mark registration |
Someone who is both an advocate and a registered patent agent can handle a matter from patent filing through to court, which avoids handing work between firms.
When you need an IP lawyer
- Before you launch or publish. Public disclosure can destroy patent and design novelty.
- Before you pick a brand name. A clearance search costs far less than a rebrand.
- When you raise money or sell the company. Investors check who owns the IP.
- When you hire developers or agencies. Contracts must assign IP to the company.
- When you receive an examination report, objection or legal notice. These have strict deadlines.
How to choose an intellectual property lawyer
- Check registration. Ask for the patent agent number and confirm it on the IP India register of patent agents; ask for Bar Council enrolment for court work.
- Check technical fit. For patents, the drafter should understand your technology well enough to describe alternatives, not only your current version.
- Ask who does the work. Confirm who drafts, who answers examination reports and who attends hearings.
- Get the scope and fees in writing. A clear engagement letter lists each stage, the professional fee and the official fees.
- Ask how deadlines are tracked. Patents and trade marks run on statutory deadlines.
- Check international reach. If you will file in the US, Europe or through the PCT, ask who handles each country.
How fees work
- Professional fees by stage: search, drafting, filing, examination responses, hearings and grant are quoted separately.
- Official fees at cost: set by the IP India fee schedule and lower for individuals, startups and small entities.
- Foreign filings: associates' charges and foreign official fees are estimated separately.
Work with PRASA IP
PRASA IP is an intellectual property law firm in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, with a US office (PRASA IP LLC). Our founders handle client matters directly:
- Praneetha K Rasbag, registered Indian patent agent (IN/PA-5005), advocate and IP attorney.
- Sanath V Madgula, registered Indian patent agent (IN/PA-5004), advocate and IP attorney.
We work with technology startups, research institutions and multinational companies on patents, software and AI patents, trade marks and designs. Read more about our IP law firm in Bangalore.
Common questions
What does an intellectual property lawyer do?
An IP lawyer protects and enforces rights in inventions, brands, designs and creative work. The work includes searches, registration, contracts, notices and court cases.
Is an IP attorney different from an IP lawyer?
No. In India both terms describe an advocate who practises intellectual property law; "attorney" is simply the more common word in the US. An intellectual property rights (IPR) lawyer is the same role.
Is a patent agent the same as an IP lawyer?
No. A registered patent agent practises before the Indian Patent Office; an advocate can appear in court. Some professionals, including both PRASA IP founders, are both.
How much does an IP lawyer charge in India?
It depends on the right, the complexity and the stage. Ask for a written stage-by-stage quote with official fees shown separately.
Can I file a patent or trade mark myself?
You can, but drafting and objections are technical and mistakes are hard to fix later. Most applicants use a registered agent or advocate.
Do I need a lawyer in my city?
Not usually. Filing and most hearings in India are online. Choose for expertise and responsiveness first.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Contact us about your specific situation.
Call +91 91132 14395 or email contact@prasaip.com.