RRajesh Jagaasiia is a legal expert shaping the modern business landscape through intellectual property (IP) mastery. His legal prowess in commercial lending ensures smooth IP collateral use, benefiting lenders and borrowers. From Dubai to China, his global journey reflects versatility and a commitment to diverse perspectives. Balancing responsibilities between Dubai and Mumbai is achieved through trust and online communication. His forthright approach defines him, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in legal practice.
Key achievements include interpreting complex agreements in arbitration and unveiling a counterfeit network in a trademark infringement case. His commitment to justice and innovation is evident in navigating the patent application process and staying updated on global IP laws through a network of international associates. His approach, marked by prompts client responses and collaboration with authorities, sets Right Justice Advocates and Associates apart for trustworthiness and confidentiality. Future goals include expanding across major Indian cities and establishing global associations.
One word that describe him the best is : forthright
Exploring the Role of Intellectual Property
We started the interview by asking, “Can you explain the significance of intellectual property in the modern business landscape?”
Rajesh replied, “The current corporate landscape is a dynamic ecosystem affected by rapid technical breakthroughs, globalisation, and changing consumer needs. Intellectual property (IP) assets have emerged as critical resources for organisations. IP rights safeguard innovations, inventions and creation, by providing legal protection. IP assets often hold significant value and can be monetised through licensing, selling or franchising. Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets differentiate products or services from competitors, allowing businesses to stand out in the market. Trademark also plays a pivotal role in brand identity.”
Ensuring Smooth Business Operations
The Arabia Times: How does your legal expertise in commercial lending benefit your clients, particularly in the context of intellectual property and business operations?
Rajesh replied, “My legal expertise in commercial lending provides invaluable support in navigating the complexities of using intellectual property as collateral, safeguarding the interests of both lenders and borrowers while facilitating smoother business operations.”
Cross-Border Arbitration Mastery
The Arabia Times: How do you manage to cross-border arbitration cases, ensuring that the interests of your clients are protected in different jurisdictions?
Rajesh replied, “Successfully managing cross-border arbitration cases demands a combination of legal expertise, strategic planning, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the involved jurisdictions’ legal systems and cultures.”
International Ventures
The Arabia Times: What motivated you to establish your law firm in Dubai and expand your operations in China? How have these international experiences shaped your legal career?
Rajesh replied, “In 1996, I moved to Dubai. Along with a few colleagues, we were one of the pioneers of Intellectual Property Rights.
My colleagues moved back in 1999, and I formed my company in 2003. I expanded my practice to China with two offices in the country.
Expanded in China, As it was main source of counterfeiting, international experiences taught me to be versatile.”
Balancing Dual Presences
The Arabia Times: How do you balance your responsibilities between your law firm in Dubai and Mumbai, and how has this dual presence enhanced your practice?
Rajesh replied, “We have trustworthy, industrious, and dedicated partners, associates, and employees who do the needful. To ensure that the situation proceeds correctly, online talks are held.”
Legal Expertise in Action
The Arabia Times: Could you share an example of a successful arbitration case you’ve handled, including the key challenges and outcomes?
Rajesh replied, “An agreement was made between my client and the company that paid my client the fees for selling a deal of commodity. Both parties entered into agreement after the fees was paid. The company failed to execute the deal and thereafter asked my client to return the fees they paid. The agreement was interpreted by us, and we discovered that the agreement covered referral fees clause and commission clause. The jurisdiction clause mentioned arbitration. We argued that the fees paid before the two parties came into agreement were not related to the agreement, hence the agreement was wrongly drafted as it did not cover retrospective deals.”
Protecting Brands
The Arabia Times: Can you share an example of a complex trademark infringement case you’ve worked on and the strategies you employed to protect your client’s interests?
Rajesh replied, “Brand Protection Case
In the ever-evolving landscape of IP enforcement, the pursuit of truth and justice often unveils intriguing narratives that challenge the boundaries of expertise. This is a story of one such remarkable journey, where IP serves as the strategic lynchpin to create value and secure a competitive advantage.
It started with a distressed company approaching us with their problem. Their product was being duplicated with astonishing precision, boasting a staggering 99.9% similarity to the genuine article. In response to this urgent call for assistance, we embarked on a journey to protect our client’s interests.
Our credentials as IP enforcement experts were not without merit. Having successfully executed the first counterfeit seizure for our client, we were entrusted with the task of cracking the counterfeit conundrum. What lay ahead was a complex puzzle, with one vital difference setting apart the genuine from the counterfeit.
In our pursuit of truth, we ventured into the market to identify the traders peddling these counterfeit products. Astonishingly, we unearthed seven leads, and an even more astonishing revelation awaited us – all seven companies were under the ownership of the same individual. This tantalizing breadcrumb trail led us to a crossroads – all these companies seemed to have mysteriously shuttered their offices.
Unyielding in our pursuit of justice, we pushed further into the labyrinth, finally discovering an alternative office associated with the enigmatic owner. Armed with a mobile number, we took a leap of faith and made the call.
With the precision of a seasoned detective, we opted for a stratagem. Disguised as a South African buyer, we equipped ourselves with a South African mobile number and a visiting card to complete the façade. The target, initially sceptical, required convincing of our authenticity. Our objective was clear – to infiltrate the counterfeit network.
Our encounter with the target commenced over coffee. Playing the part of a significant buyer, we boasted of our specialization in counterfeit dealings concerning our client’s products. Initially hesitant, the target yielded a few boxes of the counterfeit stock they held. This interaction was a prelude to series of meetings, with each encounter building trust and establishing our credibility. As trust grew, we seized the moment and placed a substantial order – multiple containers of our client’s specific product, with a commitment for regular monthly shipments. We offered a 25% advance payment for a year’s worth of bookings, with one crucial condition – we demanded a better price than the original product. Confident that the target was ready to supply, we presented an irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight, featuring a non-negotiation clause. This L/C would serve as a guarantee of payment, with the promise that when the goods arrived, cash payment would follow.
The most audacious move came next. We invited the target for a lavish dinner in a revolving restaurant, an experience that left an indelible mark. We spent four hours engrossed in a conversation that would reveal the inner workings of the counterfeit operation.”
Navigating Patent Applications
The Arabia Times: How do you help clients navigate the patent application process, from initial filing to securing a patent grant?
Rajesh replied, “Drafting patent specification as per country’s patent law, filing patent application, responding to examiner’s objections, attending hearing and grant”
How do you stay updated on the latest developments and changes in intellectual property laws, especially in different countries?
We are connected with lawyers and associates in many countries who keep us updated about developments and changes in IP laws in their respective countries.
How Right Justice Advocates Stands Out
The Arabia Times: How has your experience working with multinational clients and government authorities influenced your approach to intellectual property cases?
Rajesh replied, “Our associates and partners in the country of enforcement have helped us successfully enforce in a number of countries. These collaborators were professional peers who handled the enforcement on behalf of the client we represented.
Multinational clients have always replied promptly, and authorities have been particularly helpful throughout, understanding the companies’ reputation.”
Expanding Horizons & Collaborating Globally
Lastly we asked, “What do you believe sets Right Justice Advocates and Associates apart in the field of law, and what are your future goals for the firm?”
“We are a trustworthy law firm and all our clients are more than satisfied with our successes and our principle of confidentiality. We plan to expand in the major cities of India and also plan to associate ourselves with many law firms all over the world.” RRajesh Concluded
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