Founder

“Mediation is about finding common ground—something I strive for not just in disputes, but in all my professional relationships.” – Sunil Jose, Founder & Managing Attorney at SUNS LEGAL

This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

Could you walk us through the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped your career path, from your early days in college to landing your first job, and ultimately, to where you are today? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, particularly specializing in Intellectual Property?

I have always loved reading and listening to the news and have been deeply interested in politics and social issues. Naturally, becoming a lawyer seemed like the right path for me. After finishing college, I developed an interest in company law and moved to Chennai to start my legal career. The turning point in my career came in 1995 when I happened to watch a court case involving a trademark dispute by chance. I attended all the hearings of that case and had the opportunity to listen to arguments in a few other cases as well. I had a fair understanding of Intellectual Property, but witnessing a court argument over IP for the first time was a pivotal moment for me. This was when India became a member of the WTO, and the controversy surrounding India’s WTO membership and TRIPS agreement conditions was a hot topic. Observing these cases sparked my curiosity and deepened my interest in the subject. This inspiration led me to pursue a master’s degree in IP in 1999.

After completing my master’s, I had the opportunity to work for a new law firm in the Middle East that sought lawyers with expertise in then trending subject, Intellectual Property. This firm had several foreign clients dealing with IP issues, marking my initial exposure to Intellectual Property disputes. Later, I joined Abu Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), which opened doors to working with Forbes 500 clients. My experience at AGIP significantly shaped my career as an IP lawyer.

Your professional journey includes solo practice as well as working with leading IP firms. What motivated you to establish Suns Legal, and what unique value proposition do you bring to your clients as a solo practitioner?  

 Being a solo practitioner has its perks. For one, I can give each client my full attention, which means I can create legal strategies that are just right for their specific problems. I can quickly adapt to any changes and offer flexible solutions. Running my practice also lets me keep my prices competitive while maintaining high quality. With my expertise in Intellectual Property law and the experience I have gained from working with top firms, I can provide clients with expert advice and solutions. Building long-term relationships based on trust is very important to me. All these factors help me deliver high-quality service and show my commitment to meeting my client’s legal needs with professionalism and care. 

Beyond your professional accomplishments, you’ve also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for your contributions to thought leadership in Intellectual Property. What motivates you to share your expertise and insights with a wider audience?

I am not a social media expert, but I love creating content. LinkedIn is the only platform I am active on. My strong belief in the power of knowledge sharing and the incredible reach LinkedIn offers drives me to share my expertise and insights.

Intellectual Property (IP) is such a complex and evolving field, and I feel a real responsibility to make it easier for others to understand. My passion for teaching plays a big role in my eagerness to write on LinkedIn. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to help individuals and businesses get a better grasp of IP issues.

Engaging with a broader audience helps me stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field. It also creates a community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts who can learn from each other. Through LinkedIn, I have connected with many such individuals who regularly interact with me.

I often get direct messages from people who appreciate my efforts to explain these complex topics in simple terms. It makes me especially proud when teachers tell me they use my insights to help them teach the subject more effectively. That kind of recognition means a lot to me.

I often find my associates and interns through this platform. While generating leads was not my primary goal, many of my clients have come through LinkedIn. Plus, the platform has allowed me to connect with the vibrant Kerala Creators community, which has been fantastic.

Being recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice was such a pleasant surprise! I humbly accept it as a testament to my efforts, and it inspires me to keep contributing to the IP community.

Your extensive experience spans across various countries and cultures. How do you navigate the nuances of Intellectual Property laws in different jurisdictions, and what challenges do you commonly encounter?

Dealing with Intellectual Property (IP) laws across different countries and cultures can be quite challenging. However, many advantages made the experience rewarding. The basics of intellectual property are the same worldwide, which provides a solid foundation. The support from bilingual lawyers was invaluable. Working with Forbes 500 companies and their lawyers was a rare and valuable experience.

That said, the challenges were more significant than the advantages. Most Middle Eastern countries follow civil law, while many of my clients are from common law countries. This difference needed careful adjustment. Additionally, Arabic is the main language in most Arab countries, which introduces additional complexities. The judicial systems in these regions were still developing, with few established precedents. IP was a new subject, and there were only a few judges or officers with knowledge of it. Many countries were monarchies, making it difficult to resolve disputes, especially when the other side had the support of the ruling families. The bureaucracy was often not transparent or easily accessible, and there were significant differences in culture and values that needed to be addressed.

Despite the challenges, I survived and thrived, gaining incredible learning and exposure. It was a journey filled with learning and growth, and I continue to overcome the challenges.

In addition to your legal expertise, you’re also a Certified Mediator and a Distinguished Toastmaster. How do you think these skills complement your role as a legal professional, and how have they influenced your approach to advocacy and negotiation?

I have been a Toastmaster for around 15 years, and it has helped me improve my public speaking and leadership skills. In law, effective communication is crucial, whether it is presenting a case in court, negotiating with opposing counsel, or talking with clients. Toastmasters has made me more confident and articulate. It has also significantly boosted both my verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and my ability to handle unexpected questions or situations gracefully. It also taught me how to manage my time effectively and handle spontaneous questions during seminars, classes, and training programs.

I love mediation. It has always come naturally to me, but I decided to get certified later in my career to validate my skills. Mediation is all about finding common ground and facilitating communication between parties. It has taught me to listen actively, understand different perspectives, and work towards solutions that benefit everyone involved. This approach not only helps resolve disputes but also prevents them from escalating. It plays a special role in settling Intellectual Property disputes, which often demand time-bound solutions.

These skills have changed how I handle advocacy and negotiation. They have made me more understanding, patient, and thoughtful. I can better understand what everyone needs and worries about, which helps me make stronger arguments and find effective solutions. Overall, these skills have made me a better and more effective legal professional.

You’ve been involved in numerous high-profile cases, such as advising multinational corporations and assisting in preventing unauthorized use of copyrighted material. Can you share a particularly challenging case and how you navigated through it?

One of the toughest cases I handled was quite unusual. A Ministry in a Middle Eastern country, which was responsible for handling copyright matters, ended up using a copyrighted design from an internationally known magazine. The irony was that we had to contest a copyright violation against the very government department that oversees copyright issues! This made the situation delicate and complex. 

After a lot of negotiation and presenting a strong case, we managed to convince the Ministry of the violation they had committed. They eventually agreed to rectify the mistake by removing the copyrighted design. This case was particularly challenging due to the involvement of a government entity, but it was incredibly satisfying to reach a successful resolution. 

Given your experience in portfolio management strategies, what advice would you offer to businesses looking to safeguard their intellectual property assets in an increasingly digital and globalized world?

It is very important for businesses to regularly review their IP portfolio to keep track of all assets and identify any areas that might need attention. Registering IP, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights, in all the places where they do business provides legal protection and makes it easier to defend their rights. 

Monitoring the market for any unauthorized use of IP is essential. When working with third parties, using clear contracts that outline IP ownership and usage rights helps prevent disputes and ensures proper use. Leveraging technology is another great strategy. 

Staying informed about changes in IP laws and regulations, both locally and internationally, helps you adapt your strategies to stay compliant and protect your assets effectively. Finally, seeking professional advice from IP lawyers and consultants can provide you with expert advice tailored to your specific needs and challenges.

On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Any hobbies or interests that help you unwind and recharge outside of your demanding legal practice?

In my free time, I love spending quality moments with my family. Watching movies together is always refreshing, especially when we find one everyone enjoys. I also value the time I spend with close friends; their company is always a joy. Listening to spiritual talks helps me find peace and balance, and I find it very calming. I also enjoy reading psychology books, which offer interesting insights into human behaviour. Attending Toastmasters meetings is something I look forward to as well. It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals. 

You’ve mentored many young law graduates and interns throughout your career. What advice would you give to the current generation aspiring to build a successful career in Intellectual Property or law in general?

Staying curious and always learning is crucial, as the legal field is constantly changing. Keep your eyes open and stay updated on the latest developments. Networking is crucial, so build strong relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals in the industry. These connections can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Gaining practical experience through internships helps you understand the field better and apply what you have learned. Patience and persistence are essential, as building a successful career takes time and effort. Being a self-starter and giving one hundred percent dedication to your work will make you unique. Loving what you do and always striving to improve will set you apart. 

Suns Legal has recently completed six years, marking a significant milestone. Could you share some of the key achievements and challenges you’ve experienced during this journey, and how they have shaped the firm’s growth and vision for the future?

Celebrating six years at Suns Legal is indeed a significant milestone for us. We have had our share of achievements and challenges that have shaped our journey and vision for the future.

One of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with fast-changing technology, which requires huge investments. During our early growth stage, we were hit by the pandemic, which forced us to adapt quickly to remote working. We also faced extremely high competition, with undercutting and fly-by-night firms making the market tough.

Despite these challenges, we have had some remarkable achievements. We have built a diverse client base and formed extensive friendships along the way. Stepping out of our comfort zone has allowed us to grow, and we have focused on training young talent and absorbing them into our team. Building trust with our clients has been crucial, and we are now known as experts in our field. This journey has also allowed us to do things we could not do before.

Looking forward, we aim to develop the firm by focusing on quality and expertise. We plan to expand our team, embrace updated technology, and broaden our service areas. Our goal is to continue growing while maintaining our commitment to excellence.

Get in touch with Sunil Jose-

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