Bengaluru-based IP Astra merges with IPR law firm LexOrbis

CR Jacob-led boutique intellectual property law firm IP Astra has decided to merge with its larger peer LexOrbis Intellectual Property Attorneys.

This will be the second such deal in a month after Delhi-headquartered intellectual property firm Anand & Anand and Mumbai-based boutique media and entertainment law firm Khimani & Associates joined hands to form Anand and Anand & Khimani in Mumbai.

Changing regulatory landscape, the evolving technology and startup ecosystem, and increased activity in pharmaceutical and media companies have, of late, prompted many boutique law firms to merge with larger peers and grow their practice areas.

“Jacob and his team at IP Astra have shown tremendous growth in a short time. They think out-of-the-box to deliver high quality IP services,” said Manisha Singh, the founder partner of LexOrbis in a press release. “The team’s dedication and enthusiasm was truly inspiring. I am sure this synergy would create new opportunities for us and widen the scope of service deliveries from our Bengaluru office.”

This will be the second acquisition for LexOrbis in as many years. The law firm, which was established in 1997, had earlier on-boarded another IPR boutique law firm Inolyst.

“We are excited to team up with LexOrbis and truly believe that this association will help us in offering our clients the full spectrum of IP services,” said Jacob, the founder partner of IP Astra. “Together, we are better poised to offer the scale and expertise that some of the global law firms and multi-national companies look for in IP prosecution.”

In early April, another Delhi-based boutique telecom, media and technology advisory law firm, TMT Law Practice, had decided to merge with DPSA Legal to form Arthe Law.

“Law firms are increasingly focussing on IPR and M&A deals, besides hiring legal talent with varied expertise, including clinical or technology experts, to advise them on the nitty-gritty of these deals,” said a Mumbai-based consultant who advises on mergers as well as post-merger synergies. “In fact, there is still room for more consolidation in the sector.”