About Indran

Indran’s practice largely involves seasoned IP litigation relating to Trademark, Copyright, Patent and Industrial Design litigation. Indran regularly appears as Lead Counsel in complex and novel cases some of which now serve as landmark IP cases which encompass cutting edge IP issues in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Federal Court (Apex Court). He has also been sought out to do Counsel work for both IP and civil commercial litigation matters.

Indran was the Lead Counsel in a historic landmark case [MERCK SHARP & DOHME GROUP & ANOR v. HOVID BHD [2019] 9 CLJ 1] which successfully resulted in the extremely rare occurrence of the Federal Court overturning one of its previous decisions. Given that this feat has been achieved only 6 times in Malaysia’s history since 1967, he stands as the first IP lead counsel in the first IP case before the Federal court in Malaysia to achieve this credential He has also been recognised and listed as one of the “World’s leading IP strategists”. Indran has been accorded the accolade of “Asialaw Regional Award 2019 for Outstanding Practitioner in Malaysia.” He has advised and litigated on IP issues with major industry players from a varied cross section of industries such as major renowned worldwide sporting bodies, pharmaceutical companies, automotive companies, hotels chains, restaurants and various consumer product companies on IP rights and disputes.  He continues to be actively involved in IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting work often collaborating with government bodies.

Indran’s varied non contentious IP portfolio often sees him sought out for tailor made niche advisory services to clients which broadly include transactional work, IP registration, due diligence exercises, implementation of IP protection strategies, advisory, drafting and regulatory processes relating to various IP, IT, E-commerce, Tech and Franchise Agreements, Media Broadcasting (Advertising) and the Communication and Multimedia Act amongst others. His experience further extends to Pharmaceutical and Food Advertising, Domain Name Disputes, licensing, sponsorship, and merchandising matters. He also advises on matters relating to Personal Data Protection & Privacy Laws and on Competition Antitrust related work to compliance including the preparation of competition policy, competition dispute resolution.

He regularly appears as Lead Counsel in complex and novel cases or appeals which encompass cutting edge IP issues across all levels of the Malaysian courts. Over the last 2 decades, Indran is often sought out for his expertise towards formulating litigation strategies and for IP start-up / management issues. Throughout his litigation career, he has worked with various professionals and experts globally, across various industries to formulate bespoke case strategies tailored for the succinct or variable need in the case. To this end, he has obtained recognition as one of the “World’s leading IP strategists”. His litigated cases have been reported and have also provided, reference and/or precedent value which have also served as landmark decisions. Here are just some of those reported noteworthy cases:

• MERCK SHARP and DOHME CORP.(“MSD”) v HOVID BERHAD
[Federal Court Civil Application No. 08-470-10/2017]
[2019] 9 CLJ 1
Subject Matter: Patent Invalidation

Indran acted for the pharmaceutical giant, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), the proprietor of the 194 Patent, and its local licensee, in patent infringement action against Hovid Berhad (“Hovid”).  In this case, the High Court and Court of Appeal were bound by the Federal Court case of SKB Shutters Manufacturing Sdn Bhd v Seng Kong Shutters Industries Sdn Bhd & Anor [2015] 6 MLJ 293 (“SKB Shutters case”). Indran successfully led and argued during the Appeal to the Federal Court, to overturn the binding case on a question of law, where the majority of the Federal Court departed from its own previous decision. Quite apart from the fact that it is indeed very rare for the Federal Court to depart from its previous ruling, the impact of the case, has also proved to be far reaching. Mention must be made that this is only the 6^th time in the nation’s history since 1967 where a counsel has been able to persuade the Federal Court to overrule its previous decision to set a new path to the law and this case also remains to be first IP case in the Federal court to be overturned.

Other than the significance in terms of the rarity of the decision as alluded to above, the impact of the decision is also far reaching. The status of dependant claims which were long recognised as a fall back on narrower claims in the event, that the broader independent claims were found to be invalid has now been restored. Potentially,100,000 patent grants/ applications would have been affected if not for the outcome of the MSD case. In fact, there was lobbying carried out by various quarters in the IP industry to have the Patents Act amended post the SKB Shutters case to deal with the difficulties created by the SKB shutters ruling which now may no longer be necessary.

This decision has been welcomed both locally and globally by practitioners and patentors alike, for the impact it has made in the law. This decision now resolves the dilemma that patent drafters had previously faced on how claims were to be drafted and the level of consistency required between Malaysian patent claims and patent claims in other jurisdictions. This decision resulted in the Malaysian practice to be once again aligned with the position in most jurisdictions. This case, while setting the historic standard is also a reported landmark decision with great precedent value. It has also received extensive global and local attention where the decision has been the subject of commentary and publishing interest.

• LIWAYWAY MARKETING CORPORATION v OISHI GROUP PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
[Civil Appeal No 02(i)-57-09 of 2015] (Federal Court)[2017] 4 MLJ 141]
Subject Matter: (Expungement of trademark under section 46 of the Trademarks Act 1976)

Indran was instructed by the Appellant to lead and argue this appeal to the Federal Court on pertinent questions of law surrounding the concept of non-use of registered trademarks under The Trademarks Act 1976. The dispute surrounded competing rights to the trademark OISHI as well as the factors to be considered in expunging a trademark from the register of trademarks on the grounds of non-use. In deciding in favour of the Appellant, the Federal Court considered and provided precedent value for the standard and burden of proof for survey evidence and this case remains the leading authority on survey evidence. Also, of precedent value is the position of the party who is first to assert rights to a trademark in Malaysia although not necessarily being the first party in the course of trade, to use the said trademark.

• YONG SZE FUN & ANOR (T/A PERINDUSTRIAN MAKANAN & MINUMAN LAYANG-LAYANG) v SYARIKAT ZAMANI HJ TAMIN SDN BHD & ANOR
[Civil Appeal No W-02–367 OF 2006] (Court of Appeal)[2012] 1 MLJ 585
Subject matter: Passing Off

Indran represented the Plaintiffs in the Court of Appeal which involved a dispute over the trademark TAMIN. This reported case has provided a good and sound precedent reference for laying down the principles for passing off. The Court of Appeal in finding for the Plaintiffs, set out and confirmed the necessary prerequisites to sustain an action in passing-off. Particularly important is the determination on priority in terms of rights to a trademark or get-up in Malaysia as well as the threshold to show actionable misrepresentation. The case provided further precedent value by stating the circumstances where a licensee could commence an action for passing-off and whether third parties unconnected with the genuine products could rely on the purported relationship between the licensor and licensee as a defence.

• MEIDI (M) SDN BHD v MEIDI-YA CO LTD, JAPAN & ANOR
[Civil Appeal No W-02–563 OF 1998] (Court of Appeal)[2008] 6 MLJ 433
Subject matter: Passing Off

Indran successfully represented the Appellant, Meidi (M) Sdn Bhd in this Appeal which also went on to become a reported decision with precedent value. This decision provided precedent value with regards to the point on the finding of the territorial scope of trademark protection and priority in terms of rights to a trademark in Malaysia. The Court of Appeal further considered the circumstances where trademarks could co-exist both on the register and in the market.

• MEIDI-YA CO LTD, JAPAN & ANOR v MEIDI (M) SDN BHD
[Civil Appeal No. 02–8 OF 2007(W)] (Federal Court)[2009] 2 MLJ 14
Subject Matter: (Passing-off and framing of questions of law for the determination of Federal Court)

This case was an appeal by the Meidi-Ya Co Ltd, Japan against the decision of the Court of Appeal in civil appeal no: W-02-563. In dismissing the appeal, the Federal Court held that the questions for which leave was sought did not pass the then requisite threshold for leave as set out in the Courts of Judicature Act. It should be noted that this reported case carried precedent value for setting the threshold for leave at that time.

• MCLAREN INTERNATIONAL LTD v LIM YAT MEEN
[Civil Appeal No 02(f)–2 OF 2008(W)] (Federal Court)[2009] 5 MLJ 741
Subject matter: (Expungement of trademark under section 45 of the Trademarks Act 1976)

Indran represented McLaren in this appeal to the Federal Court which was a reported landmark decision as well. The Federal court determined the necessary threshold for locus standi as an aggrieved party before a cancellation action could be instituted. The Federal Court held that the Plaintiff in such an action should have used of the trademark in issue or had a genuine trading interest or future interest in the said trademark. The Federal Court also considered what amounted to requisite use of a trademark in the context of an action for cancellation of a registered trademark on the grounds of non-use. It must be pointed out that this reported case still sets the threshold test at present to determine the locus standi for an “aggrieved party”.

• EL BAIK FOOD SYSTEMS CO. S.A. v THE REGISTRAR OF TRADEMARKS AND AL BAIK FAST FOOD DISTRIBUTION CO. SAE 
[Kuala Lumpur Originating Summons No. WA-24IP-4-01/2019](High Court)[2019] MLJ 552
Subject Matter: Trademark & Copyright

Indran acted for the Saudi based food and beverage outfit El Baik Food Systems Co. S.A. (“the Plaintiff”) in an appeal at the High Court from the decision of the Registrar of Trademarks in a Trademark opposition matter. This case was the final saga of an extensive dispute between the Plaintiff and Albaik Fast Food Distribution Co SAE over competing rights to the ALBAIK trademark. The High Court, as a novel point accepted the concept of “spill-over and cross border goodwill” without the necessity of physical business presence in Malaysia. In finding for the Plaintiff, the High Court held that the lack of physical presence did not preclude the Plaintiff from claiming goodwill and reputation in Malaysia thereby granting the Plaintiff priority over the Defendant. This case is also of worthy precedent value and was duly reported.

• GODREJ SARA LEE LTD v SIAH TEONG TECK & ANOR (PART 2)
[Originating Motion No. D5–25–2 of the 2007] (High Court)[2007] 7 MLJ 164
Subject matter: (Expungement of trademark under section 45 and 46 of the Trademarks Act 1976)

Indran represented the Plaintiffs in this matter to lead and argue the case which dealt with the requisite evidentiary standard to show non-use of a trademark to sustain an action for cancellation of a registered trademark. In finding for the Plaintiff, the High Court also addressed the issue of what would amounted to special circumstances to excuse the non-use of the trademark. This case carries precedent value and has since been reported.

• NEW-WEST MANAGEMENT GROUP SDN BHD & ANOR V NG AH KOW & ANOR
[Suit No. D5-22-1090-2007] [2008] [2008] 8 CLJ 18

Indran represented the Plaintiff successfully in this action for passing-off and breach of contract. To preserve its position, the Plaintiff applied for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the Defendant from using the offending trademark and tradename. This case is important as the Plaintiffs sought to restrain the Defendants from using their own names in their clinic business after the Defendants had transferred rights to the same to the Plaintiff. The High Court in granting the interlocutory injunction held that notwithstanding the fact that the Defendants were only requiring the use of their own names, they were not entitled to derogate from a grant that they had contractually given to the Plaintiffs for good and valuable consideration. The High Court in finding for the Plaintiff also set out and reaffirmed the necessary requisites for interlocutory injunction. This reported case is also important for precedent value as it sets out the exceptions under the Contracts Act where terms in restraint of trade could be enforced.          

• USA PRO IP LIMITED v MONTFORT SERVICES SDN BHD
[Originating Summon No: 24IP – 9 – 03/2014] (High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court)[2015] MLJ 454)
Subject matter: (Expungement of trademark under section 46 of the Trademarks Act 1976)

Indran represented the Plaintiffs in this case which was originally heard in the High Court where the Plaintiff applied to expunge the Defendant’s registered trademark on the grounds of non-use. In finding for the Plaintiff, the High Court set out the requisite burden and standard of proof necessary to show non-use. The High Court further clarified the relevant period of non-use and whether the absence of survey evidence was fatal to such application thereby setting crucial precedent value. The Defendant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed and leave to appeal to the Federal Court was not granted thereby affirming the decision at first instance.

• Asia IP Experts (2021 and 2023)
Best 50 “IP Expert” in Malaysia

• Asialaw Regional Awards (2019)
“Outstanding Practitioner” (Malaysia)

• Asia Law Client Service Excellence Ratings (Malaysia) 2019
Rated “Best Lawyer” (Malaysia)

• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2017 – 2019)
“Leading Lawyer” in Competition & Antitrust

• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2017 – 2019)
“Leading Lawyer” in Intellectual Property

• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2020 – 2022)
“Distinguished Practitioner” in Intellectual Property

• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2023)
“Elite Practitioner” in Intellectual Property

Leading lawyer Indran Shanmuganathan, commended by a client for being “thorough in his advice, well versed with IP law and litigation matters and professional and prompt in responding”, is representing Mesuma Sport in a sponsorship agreement dispute. – Asialaw Profiles 2018

“Indran is an experienced litigator with a desire to do the best for his clients. He is very knowledgeable about the whole Malaysian legal process.” – Asialaw Profiles 2020

“An excellent advocate and strategist. Very friendly and anxious to do well.” – Asialaw Profiles 2021

“Mr Indran is very knowledgeable, accessible, very prompt in his responses, provides straightforward and reliable advice , provides regular updates on the progress of a matter.” – Asialaw Profiles 2022

“Superb advocational skills.” – Asialaw Profiles 2023

• Asia Business Law Journal (2020 – 2022)
Listed as one of Malaysia’s Top 100 Lawyers

• Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2020)
“Litigation Star” in Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property

• Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2021 – 2024)
“Litigation Star” in Intellectual Property

• Chambers Asia-Pacific (2024)

“Band 1” Lawyer in Intellectual Property

“Indran possesses exceptional qualities in critical thinking, domain expertise, and collaboration and communication. His adeptness at collaborating and effectively communicating with others makes him an invaluable asset in solving intricate legal challenges.”- Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024

“He is a very sought-after IP lawyer with vast experience and in-depth knowledge. He is accessible and very good at building a relationship with his clients.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024

• Chambers Asia-Pacific (2019 – 2023)
“Band 2” in Lawyer  Intellectual Property

Clients are quick to confirm that he is “very experienced and knowledgeable,” and “provides sound advice.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018

Indran Shanmuganathan is described by a client as “a lawyer who is able to provide balanced advice based on his vast experience,” and they also highlight his “high level of integrity, being accessible when required, with very prompt follow-ups.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2019

“Indran Shanmuganathan is a respected litigator who regularly receives instructions on trademark, patent and copyright infringement matters. He represents several leading global clients, as well as local corporates.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2020

A client praises him for being “accessible, extremely prompt in responding and so experienced and knowledgeable, with the ability to provide an in-depth perspective on issues involved.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021

A source describes him as “excellent in litigation and very thorough.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022

A client lauds him as “Indran has done a great job in court. He is thoughtful, organised and a pleasure to work with. He is able to argue very complex issues and does not shy away from complex legal arguments.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023

Another client notes that “Mr Indran defines professional.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023

• Lexology Client Choice Awards (2024)
Recognised Practitioner in Intellectual Property – Trademarks Agents & Attorneys

• The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2014, 2017 – 2020)
“Recommended Lawyer” in Intellectual Property

• The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2021 – 2024)
“Leading Individual” in Intellectual Property

“… the ‘highly experienced’ Indran Shanmuganathan handles a range of trademark, copyright, patent and industrial design litigation…” 

“the ‘passionate, straightforward and candid’ Indran Shanmuganathan is ‘a sheer pleasure to deal with’.

‘Indran Shanmuganathan is a well-experienced IP practitioner who is very knowledgeable, willing to share his experience, provides honest view of the case, easily accessible and very down to earth. ‘– The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021

“Indran Shanmuganathan is an experienced lawyer with good tactical knowledge and intimate awareness of legal complexities”. – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021

“Mr Indran Shanmuganathan – A well experienced IP lawyer who is accessible, honest with his legal opinions, professional and easy to work with. He is prompt with his advise and always on top of all matters”. – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021

“Indran Shanmuganathan has great court presence, good at cross examining and thoughtful before the court.”. – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022

“Indran and his team act in the best interests of the client. They commit their time and ensure that they have sufficient resources to provide their best advice to the client. Mr Indran is an exceptional figure in providing constructive advice.” – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022

• MIP IP Stars (2018 – 2024)
“Trademark Star” in Malaysia

• MIP IP Stars (2018 – 2024)
“Patent Star” in Malaysia

• IAM Patent 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists (2020 and 2021)
Listed individual in the exclusive list of the “World’s Leading IP Strategists”

• IAM Patent 1000 (2019 and 2021)
“Recommended Lawyer” in Litigation

• IAM Patent 1000 (2023 and 2024)
“Gold Individual” in Litigation

• IAM Patent 1000 (2022)
“Silver Tier” in Litigation

This global publication has also reported and published the landmark case handled by Indran, namely the Merck Sharp and Dohme case which was entitled, “Malaysia more patentee-friendly after rare Federal Court U-turn” dated 19 September 2019 as reported by IAM Life Sciences reporter Adam Houldsworth. The publication has also made mention as follows:

“Indran Shanmuganathan is a contentious ace who works on the firm’s hardest-hitting courtroom instructions. Recently, he has been busy advising pharmaceutical giant Merck Sharp and Dohme before the High Court in a complex and wide-reaching action that looks set to make its way to the very top of the Malaysian chain of justice.” – IAM Patent 1000 (2019)

“…Indran Shanmuganathan, he recently secured a landmark Federal Court judgement in favour of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp in relation to the assessment of dependent and independent claims”. – IAM Patent 1000 (2020)

Indran Shanmuganathan is the person to call for complex patent litigation matters. Not only is he “bright, articulate, flexible and highly knowledgeable in Malaysian law”, the silver-tongued sharpshooter is “experienced and well-known for IP litigation”. – IAM Patent 1000 (2021)

“Mr Indran will always evaluate the matter critically and provide insightful advice.” – IAM Patent 1000 (2022)

• Who’s Who Legal (2024)
“Recommended” in Data – Data Privacy & Protection

• World Trademark Review (2019 – 2022 and 2024)
“Gold Tier” in Enforcement and Litigation

“Shanmuganathan is appreciated for being “always available” and giving “direct, no-nonsense advice” to facilitate early wins. He recently secured injunctive relief and well-known trademark status for Verizon Communications in a trademark infringement and passing-off case.” – WTR 2019

“One of the top IP advocates in the country, Indran Shanmuganathan is a top choice for landmark litigation” – WTR 2020

Indran Shanmuganathan is described as having “a sharp mind with good knowledge of the law”, as well as being “experienced and well known for IP litigation”. Indran is acknowledged as “a prominent counsel in the trademarks arena” and “continues to be very down to earth, accessible and extremely prompt in his responses. His legal opinions are honest, and we know that he will provide excellent and trustworthy legal opinion with prompt service”. – WTR 2021

“Indran Shanmuganathan and …., should be the first ports of call for those seeking tailored litigation strategies.” – WTR 2022

• World Trademark Review (2017 and 2018)
“Silver Tier” in Enforcement and Litigation

“Lawyers of his calibre are usually swamped with cases, but he never neglects clients’ needs and concerns. He always delivers what he has committed and promised.” – WTR 2017

“Indran Shanmuganathan also shines brightly in complex court litigation and sets the right tone on alternative dispute resolution forums”. – WTR 2018

• World Trademark Review Global Leaders (2019 – 2021)
Private Practice

• Council Member, Asian Patents Attorneys Association of Malaysia (APAA)
• Member of Governing Council, Asean Legal Information Centre (Asean LIC)
• Member, Malaysian Bar
• Member, The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
• Member, International Bar Association (IBA)
• Member, International Trademarks Association (INTA)
• Member, Malaysian Intellectual Property Association (MIPA)
• Member, Pharmaceutical Trademarks Group (PTMG)
• Member, The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Alumni Association, Malaysia
• Member, University of Leicester Alumn

• Author: “The Annotated Trademarks Act 2019” – Sweet & Maxwell (2021)
• Author: “Trademarks Act 2019 with Overview by Indran Shanmuganathan” – Sweet & Maxwell (2020)
• Co-author: “Trademark Litigation Handbook” – Thomson Reuters (2013, 2017 and 2022)
• Co-Author: “ChatGPT: The Pandora’s Box Opened?” – Legal Era Publication (October 2023)
• Co-Author: “ChatGPT: The Next Step in Evolution or an Intellectual Property Minefield?” – The Law Review by Sweet & Maxwell Asia [2023] LR 133 (July 2023)
• Co-Author: “Blinding Colours: Should Single Colour Trademarks Be Registrable?” – The Law Review by Sweet & Maxwell Asia [2023] LR 272 (April 2023)
• Co-Author: “The Position of Trade Mark Disclaimers” – Chambers and Partners Practice Guide (February 2023)
• Co-author: “The POSITA Position – Ordinary Person or Ordinary Skill?” – Chambers and Partners Practice Guide (January, 2023)
• Co-author: “Copyright Act 1987 – An Overview of Sections 13A and 13B” – The Law Review by Sweet & Maxwell Asia [2022] LR 350 (January 2023)
• Co-author: “The Role of Patent Specification in Claim Construction: A Comparative Overview” – The Law Review by Sweet and Maxwell Asia [2022] (2) LR 277 (August 2022)
• Co-author: “A Crumbs Up from the Federal Court: Munchy Food Industries Sdn Bhd v Huasin Food Industries Sdn Bhd [2021] 8 AMR 405; [2022] 1 MLJ 377” – The Law Review, Volume 1 (2022)
• Co-author: “Copyright and the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)” – Legal Era Publication (March 2022)
• Co-author: “Biscuits Bi’te Back!!!” – Legal Era Publication (January 2022)
• Co-author: “Viability of Celebrity Endorsement Restored” – INTA Publication (August 2021)
• Co-author “Dependent Claims Fully Restored (Merck Part 2)” – Legal Era Publication (November 2021)
• Co-author: “Shaping Up Trademark Laws A Good Sign?”– Legal Era Publication (August 2021)
• Co-author: “The Rise and Fall of SKB Shutters Case: A Brief Look at the Recent Federal Court Case of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp v Hovid Berhad” – Legal Era Publication (November 2019)
• Co-author: “Malaysia: Does the new Trademarks Act 2019 advantage plaintiffs?”– Managing IP (November 2019)
• Co-author: “Merck Finally Shuts the Door of SKB Shutters” – Managing IP-IP Stars (October 2019).
• Co-Author: “Malaysia – Dorpan, S.L. and Melia Hotels International, S.A. v Nusajaya Rise Sdn Bhd [Johor Bahru Civil Suit No.: JA-22IP-05-09/2017]” – Conventus Law (March 2019)
• Co-author: “John Ambulans Malaysia v PJ Uniform Sdn. Bhd. (SAHC 22NCvC-148-02/2013) Civil Appeal No. B-02(NCVC)(W)-2188-11/2016)” – Asia IP (January 2019)
• Author: “In Ratio & Obiter: Lessons from Liwayway Marketing Corporation v. Oishi Public Company Limited” – Asia IP (June 2017)
• Author: “Automobile Component Parts: Registrable Design or Not?” – Asia IP (October 2015)
• Author: “Are Cancellation Actions still a viable option?”– Asia IP (2013)
• Author: “Registered User Conundrum” – Managing IP (July 2013)
• Co-author: “When Fame is Not Enough” – Managing IP (April 2010)
• Co-author: “Use it or Lose it” – Managing IP (December 2009)
• Author: “To Cancel or Not to Cancel?” – Asia IP Focus (October 2009)
• Author: “The Territoriality of Goodwill: The Way Forward in Claims in Passing-off” – Asia IP (2009).
• Author: “Internet Piracy-Copyright Infringement and Adequacy of Malaysian Law” – The Malaysian Accountant (June 2007)