Mridula Anup

Director & CEO

Of late, the Indian government has taken active onus to nourish Pharma & Biotech innovation within the country through numerous initiatives such as Department of Pharmaceuticals’ Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma-MedTech sector (PRIP) to become self-reliant and make its mark on a global scale. While this has spurred pharma R&D across both private & public sectors, there have also been increased concerns/conflicts around IP, trademark and copyright. While big conglomerates have their own in-house legal teams to take care of these critical aspects, individual innovators, startups and MSMEs find it extremely challenging due to lack of proper knowledge/ awareness or even budget. As a result, we are seeing an increasing reliance on IP rights service providers who handhold their clients and help them steer clear of rough waters.

Fueled by this sudden demand, the intellectual property services industry is witnessing a hockey stick growth lately. While there are a plethora of companies currently operational in this market, one organization that stands a notch higher than the rest is Zwapall Intellectual Property. Based in Cochin, Zwapall was founded in 2020 by Mridula Anup, Co-Founder & CEO and Late T.J. William, Co-Founder & Director with a vision to make reliable and high-quality IP services accessible to individual applicants and small enterprises across the country. Today, owing to its profound subject matter expertise and in-depth understanding of the intellectual property realm, the company has cemented its positions among the top-of-the-mind choice for diverse IPR related requirements in the country.

End-to-end IPR Services

As an expert intellectual property rights service provider, Zwapall’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of services that include Patent, Trademark, Copyright & Industrial Design Registration, Patent & Trademark Search, Patent drafting and Filing, Technology transfer, Design & Brand Name Scouting, IP Monetization, Strategy Consulting, IP Audits, IP Portfolio Management, Vetting & Custom Legal Drafting of Contracts or Agreements, Customs & Border Control, and PCT National Phase Filing, to name a few. Well aware of how resource-consuming court battles can be, it also provides its clients with Alternative Dispute Resolution services such as mediation and arbitration to help them settle their disputes or litigations quickly with less financial burden. Going a step further, the company also helps its clients to understand the various nuances of intellectual property rights by conducting workshops and offering consulting sessions so that they’re able to make informed decision pertaining to their IP assets.

“We prioritize a strategic, solution-focused approach to IP disputes, aiming to resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively. Our legal team assesses each case carefully and determines the most viable path to resolution, while emphasizing on negotiation to protect client interests without jeopardizing valuable IP assets. Further, we also conduct thorough audits to evaluate each IP asset’s current and potential value, allowing us to prioritize strategic filings, renewals, and monetization opportunities. Most importantly, we provide tailored guidance on licensing, technology transfers and enforcement strategies to protect & enhance IP portfolios, maximizing their financial and strategic value”, says Mridula.

Quality & Client-centricity at the Core

Always keeping client satisfaction as paramount, Zwapall’s team of experts comprising of engineers, biochemists, legal professionals and IP strategists works together to ensure that clients get nothing short of the ‘best’ service quality. Additionally, every client is allotted a separate team headed by a lead consultant who not only acts as the point-of-contact with the client, but also ensures that high quality levels are maintained across every phase of the journey. To further maintain its quality standards, the company also ensures that every team member undergoes regular training to stay relevant with the present industry dynamics. Never shying away from utilizing cutting-edge technologies, Zwapall also leverages advanced IP management software, patent analysis tools and AI-powered analytics to streamline the entire process, while simultaneously identify potential infringement risks and evaluate the competitive landscape.

“These technologies enhance our efficiency at handling complex portfolios by automatically tracking IP assets, deadlines and legal changes globally. This helps us provide our clients with valuable insights for informed IP decisions, keeping them ahead in fast-evolving markets. We’re proactive in our approach and conduct periodic reviews to ensure that the portfolio stays aligned with our client’s evolving business goals and market trends. Also, since each team member understands IP from multiple angles, enabling us to craft solutions that address technical, legal, and commercial facets simultaneously”, Mridula further explains.

The Way Forward

Keeping in mind the ever-increasing importance of IPR protection in emerging verticals such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and solar energy, Zwapall plans to further strengthen its foothold in those areas and expand its IP marketplace to provide industry-specific advisory services for startups and MSMEs who want to scale their IP strategy. Further, it will also be introducing an AI-driven online IP monetization platform to enable organizations to sell/license their brands and patents. Overall, the company is on a mission to empower businesses by providing futuristic IP services that are relevant to current industry dynamics.

“We believe IP protection should be accessible to all, from small startups to large enterprises across the country. Our focus on affordability, accessibility, and tailored quality services sets us apart in a competitive IP landscape. We’re excited to continue supporting innovators and businesses in safeguarding their ideas and assets, fostering a culture of innovation and growth both in India and internationally. We’re also committed to expanding our offices, resources and capabilities to serve as a trusted IP partner for clients as they navigate the complexities of protecting and monetizing their intellectual property”, concludes Mridula.