Trademarks, Copyright, Domain names, Designs, IP Office Prosecution (contentious and non-contentious), IP Litigation, Brand Strategist, Contractual and Commercial IP, Licensing and Franchising, Transactions involving acquisition of IP. 

Corporate commercial Laws including Contract drafting and negotiation, conducting due diligences, Incorporation and regulatory compliance, Criminal Law and Arbitration.

As a practicing Attorney, Mr. Rao has represented international and domestic clients in host of matters involving white collar crimes, trademarks, trade dress, names, goodwill, copyright, designs and internet and domain name. His practice is concentrated on counseling and advice, IP Office Prosecution (contentious and non-contentious), litigation and transactions. 

Mr. Rao has extensive experience of more than 16 years in representing clients from diverse industries on issues relating to brand adoption and selection, prosecution and registration of trademarks, opposition and cancellation matters before the Trademarks Registry, Intellectual Property Appellate Board and litigation in Courts of India. He has advised clients on global trademark portfolio management strategies, protection and enforcement of IP in India and abroad. Assisted clients in IP audits and review of existing portfolios for identification of unprotected elements, commercial transactions involving acquisition/ sale and licensing of trademarks and related IP. 

Mr. Rao has a vast experience of conducting enforcement actions, Customs and Border recordal, Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting actions (Criminal and Civil). He has distinctive experience of working, coordinating and liaising with the law enforcement agencies to ensure focused solutions for IP infringement. 

Mr. Rao has handled the incorporation of domestic companies and subsidiaries of multinational corporations. His experience also includes advising clients on regulations in diverse industries such as food and beverages, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, gaming industries, personal care, hospitality and tourism. He has also advised and represented clients in winding up petitions before courts. He also has experience in advising clients on Debt, Corporate Finance, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets and Foreign Investments transactions.

He regularly appears for the contentious matters before the various courts throughout the Indian jurisdiction. Dispute resolution through alternate means including mediation, arbitration and conciliation and data privacy, media and advertising laws are also some of Mr. Rao’s additional attributes. 

Prior to starting his counsel practice, he was working with British Petroleum (on the rolls of Castrol India Ltd.) for nearly six years.