A Guide for Aspiring Legal Professionals

Intellectual Property (IP) law is one of the most dynamic and sought-after areas of legal practice. As businesses focus more on innovation, branding, and technology, the demand for qualified IP lawyers continues to grow in India and globally. 

Whether it is patent filing, trademark litigation, or copyright protection, IP law firms are actively seeking skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights.

If you’re an aspiring IP lawyer or planning a shift into this rewarding field, here’s a detailed look at the top law firms hiring IP lawyers, both in India and internationally.

Why is IP Law Growing So Fast?

Before diving into the firms, it’s important to understand the reason behind the rising demand.

• Startups and tech companies are booming, creating more patents and software.
• Brands and media houses want to protect trademarks, logos, and creative content.
• Globalisation demands IP protection across multiple jurisdictions.
• Awareness around copyright infringement and brand misuse is increasing.

With these trends, law firms with strong IP practices are rapidly hiring lawyers who can handle advisory, prosecution, enforcement, and litigation matters.

Top Indian Law Firms Hiring IP Lawyers

India is home to several specialised IP firms and full-service law firms with reputed IP practices. Here’s a breakdown of leading players in this space.

Anand and Anand

Overview: One of India’s most recognised names in the IP domain, Anand and Anand is considered a pioneer in intellectual property law.

What they offer:

• A broad spectrum of IP services – patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs.
• A rich litigation practice, handling landmark IP cases.
• A team-oriented work culture that supports learning and development.

Why it’s popular: If you’re interested in cutting-edge IP litigation and policy work, this is one of the best firms to start with.

Remfry & Sagar

Overview: With a legacy of more than 200 years, Remfry & Sagar is among the oldest and most respected IP law firms in India.

Key practice areas:

• Patent prosecution (especially in pharma and biotech).
• Trademark oppositions and enforcement.
• Licensing and IP portfolio management.

What makes it stand out: It offers strong mentorship and works closely with Indian and global corporations, making it a great place for those who want to gain experience in both litigation and advisory.

Lall & Sethi

Overview: A Delhi-based IP boutique firm that represents both Indian and international clients.

Work exposure:

• Complex IP litigation.
• Design and trademark filings.
• Domain name disputes and copyright law.

What you should know: Known for its hands-on approach, it’s ideal for freshers who want to understand the practical side of IP law.

K&S Partners

Overview: A boutique IP firm with a strong domestic and international client base.

Specialisation:

• Patents (engineering, software, electronics).
• Geographical Indication (GI) filings.
• Enforcement and anti-counterfeiting actions.

What they offer to juniors: Well-structured training, exposure to client meetings, and research roles.

Saikrishna & Associates

Overview: Renowned for its IP litigation in media, telecom, and broadcasting sectors.

Notable strengths:

• Anti-piracy enforcement.
• OTT platform disputes.
• Copyright advisory for broadcasters.

Why it’s growing: With the rise of digital content platforms, the firm is expanding and actively hiring lawyers passionate about media and IP.

Chadha & Chadha IP

Overview: Known for patent drafting and prosecution.

Key clients: Primarily from pharma, telecom, and engineering sectors.

Why join: If you have a technical background (engineering, science), this firm gives you the perfect blend of law and technology.

LexOrbis

Overview: A full-service IP law firm with a strong reputation in prosecution and litigation.

Work culture: Tech-savvy, research-oriented, and client-focused.

Bonus for freshers: Often hires from law schools and values candidates with good technical understanding and writing skills.

RA Associates

Overview: A fast-growing, mid-sized IP firm focused on trademark prosecution and brand protection.

Perfect for: Young lawyers wanting to work closely on enforcement and brand strategy cases.

Full-Service Law Firms with Strong IP Teams

While the above are IP-specialised firms, many full-service law firms in India also have powerful IP verticals. These firms handle IP along with corporate, competition, M&A, and litigation work.

Here are some top full-service law firms that regularly hire IP lawyers:

Khaitan & Co

• Handles IP litigation, transactional IP, and technology law.
• Frequently works with media companies and pharmaceutical clients.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM)

• One of India’s largest law firms with a solid IP advisory team.
• Great for those interested in cross-border IP transactions.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM)

• Active in IP litigation, especially in high-stakes cases.
• Recruits candidates who can handle commercial IP matters.

J. Sagar Associates (JSA)

• Known for its regulatory IP work and privacy-related matters.
• Engages in technology licensing, software IP, and data-related concerns.

Trilegal

• Growing IP team focusing on the intersection of IP and technology.
• Great for lawyers interested in fintech, software, and startup IP issues.

AZB & Partners

• Strong transactional IP practice.
• Often works on IP due diligence in M&A deals.

International Law Firms Hiring IP Lawyers

For those looking at global opportunities, especially in the US, UK, or Singapore, here are some top international firms known for their IP law practice.

Baker McKenzie

Massive global IP team handling cross-border trademark, copyright, and tech IP disputes.

DLA Piper

Offers strong opportunities in patent litigation, especially in tech and pharma sectors.

Bird & Bird

• A highly IP-focused international firm.
• Frequently works with media, fashion, and sports clients.

Hogan Lovells

Covers everything from trademark portfolios to IP arbitration.

Allen & Overy

Focuses more on IP in commercial and transactional contexts.

Kirkland & Ellis

• Highly reputed for patent litigation in the US.
• Great for candidates with a science or engineering background.

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

• One of the most respected firms in the field of patent law.
• Technical knowledge is a huge plus for applicants.

What Do These Firms Look For?

Whether Indian or international, most IP law firms look for the following qualities:

• Strong academic record
• Sound knowledge of IP laws (both Indian and international)
• Writing and research skills
• Technical background (especially for patent roles)
• Practical exposure via internships, moot courts, blogs, or projects

Tips for Aspiring IP Lawyers

• Start early: Take IP law electives, do certificate courses.
• Intern smartly: Aim for boutique IP firms first – they offer hands-on learning.
• Write and publish: Articles on recent IP judgments or policies show interest.
• Network: Attend IP webinars, conferences, or forums.
• Stay updated: IP is fast-evolving – read blogs, WIPO updates, and Indian IPAB orders.

Conclusion

IP law is now a thriving sector with opportunities across industries. Whether you want to work in a boutique firm focused solely on IP or in a full-service firm handling complex commercial IP issues, there’s no dearth of options. The firms listed above are known not just for the work they offer but also for training and mentoring the next generation of IP lawyers.

So, if you’re passionate about law, innovation, creativity, and technology, a career in IP law might just be your perfect fit.