We are a family of strong 800+ people including 470+ professionals working from 14 locations across India.
We have a rich heritage and enduring legacy which are pivotal in shaping trust, excellence, and unparalleled legal expertise, thus building a strong reputation and a trusted brand.
We started in 1985 in a single room set up by the two founders with no prior experience of working in a law firm. Both the founders had outstanding academic records and focused on their deep understanding of the law to form the foundation of the firm.
Integrity, Knowledge and Passion are the principles that resonate with every member of our LKS family and the work that we do. These values drive us to build a community of legally sound professionals and well-serviced clients.
Everything we have accomplished over the last four decades is a result of our unique way of thinking which is deeply influenced by our core values and principles that define us.
We and our professionals consistently garner appreciation for the quality of our services and the depth of our legal expertise. This consistent acknowledgment serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
We stay up-to-date and periodically share insightful commentary and analysis on the legal issues shaping businesses, both domestically and globally. Our opinionised articles offer fresh perspective on current burning issues, thus keeping you ahead of the curve.
The Courts in the past have held that the filing of statutory forms within the due date prescribed under the Income Tax Act, 1961, is a directory (and not mandatory) requirement, to claim deductions/exemptions that are available to taxpayers. Recently, however, the Supreme Court judgment in Wipro Limited changed the course of the river. The author observes that such a drastic consequence does not seem to be the intention of the Supreme Court.
In this article, the authors discuss the issues which are likely in the pipeline for upcoming GST council meetings, particularly the 53rd GST Council Meeting.
The article discusses nuances of cancellation of a trademark due to non-use. Deliberating upon the legal framework for non-use cancellation and a recent Delhi High Court decision on same, the authors also list certain strategies which may be implemented by the trademark owners to avoid non-use cancellation. According to them by understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, one can protect a brand’s goodwill, and identity and ensure that the trademark remains a valuable asset for business.
The article sheds light on the current Indian Patent Law associated with safeguarding Traditional Knowledge. It discusses various case law and the Indian Patent Office’s Guidelines. According to the authors, keeping in view the recent time-honoured recognition given to traditional knowledge by the WIPO treaty, a statutory definition of the term as well as judicial interpretation of Section 3(p) can help both the Examiners and the Applicants.
The article discusses the role of PRAVAAH portal in facilitating how to regulate synergy across financial entities. PRAVAAH Portal is a single window mechanism for submission of application/information in an electronic format to the RBI for seeking various approvals.
The article discuss the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (‘CBAM’) which take care of carbon leakage which occurs when businesses start relocating industries to or products are imported from countries, with less stringent environment policies, apparently to circumvent the cost-intensive climate policies in the European Union. It discusses what are the scope, coverage, phase, timeline, and compliances required by exporters to the EU, in respect of certain goods.
The recent judicial developments have led to certain legal uncertainties and contradictions for compliance in case of deputation and secondment. According to the authors, the factual matrix of employment will have to be determined based on legal jurisprudence.
Section 281 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 empowers the Department to declare a transfer of an asset as void where the transferor, during the pendency of any proceedings or completion thereof, but before the service of notice by a TRO, creates a charge on, or parts with the possession of any of his ‘assets’ in favour of another person. Considering the far-reaching consequences of the provision, the article highlights few practical issues.
The article elaborately discusses a recent Madras High Court decision setting aside an order passed by the Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs which had refused the grant of a patent under Section 3(c) of the Patents Act, 1970. The Court has held that Section 3(c) would only apply to a process of finding a hitherto undiscovered non-living substance by identifying and isolating it from nature.
The divergent perspectives on the treatment of development rights; whether as a service or an outright sale, have led to confusion in the realm of land transactions. Therefore, while finality is anticipated from the constitutional courts in GST regime, it is prudent for businesses to take an informed call on the taxability of development rights.
The article discusses the difference between Tax and Fees and how the Courts in recent time are diverting from the earlier decisions highlighting the difference between Tax and Fees.
The article discusses how the gaming industry will be impacted by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. It discusses how the new law once enforced will require platforms, gaming developers, and gamers (or users) alike to pay attention to the framework under which personal data may be processed, notices reviewed, consents provided (where required) and rights exercised with regard to the processing of personal data.
The article discusses the nature of transnational subsidies, in which a government of one country subsidizes a firm outside of its territory. It explores whether these subsidies can be acted upon under the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement), and how certain countries such as the EU and the US are tackling these subsidies.
The drastic difference in income-tax treatment of both – Life Insurance Policies and Annuities, requires closer examination of their meaning to distinguish one from another. Demonstrating that there is a thin line of difference between features offered by modern iterations of life insurance policies and annuities, the author points out that it is crucial for insurance companies to take proactive steps to separate the elements of the life insurance policies from that of annuities.
