Career
Essenese Obhan is the managing partner of Obhan & Associates, one of India’s leading IP firms. Recognized as “a strategically minded IP veteran” and “the first choice for many Fortune 500 and leading domestic companies,” he combines deep legal expertise with strong technological insight. Described as “versatile and meticulous,” Essenese has handled high-profile IP litigation, including infringement, passing off, dilution, international arbitration, and enforcement actions across India. He also leads non-contentious work, including IP portfolio management, acquisitions, transfers, and prosecution for Fortune 500 companies.
Essenese heads a respected practice with offices in Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore, serving sectors such as engineering, IT, biotechnology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, nanotechnology, and agribusiness.
Frequently sought for business-savvy advice on portfolio strategy and licensing, he has secured major injunctions, defended clients against patent trolls, and advised on high-stakes copyright disputes. His team conducts nationwide enforcement against counterfeiters. Known for professionalism, responsiveness, and tailored service, he has been consistently recognized by Chambers, Legal 500, WTR 1000, IAM Patent 1000, AsiaLaw, Benchmark Litigation, and Managing IP for over a decade.
Essenese is a frequent speaker on IP issues, conducts customized corporate training, and serves on the executive council of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA). He is also a member of INTA and AIPPI.
The firm actively participates in CSR initiatives, pro bono work, and supports underprivileged communities.
Professional Memberships
FICPI, INTA, APAA, AIPPI, AIPLA, IPO, ECTA, GRUR & MARQUES
Publications
Obhan Essenese “Patent Attorney Privilege in India” WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of
Patents Thirty-Fifth Session (October 18, 2023); Obhan Essenese “No Secrets Possible in Public Domain” India Business Law Journal (July 11, 2023); Obhan Essenese “Speed the Best Prescription for Regulating E-Pharmacies in India” India Business Law Journal (April 11, 2023); Obhan Essenese “Transborder Reputation in India Means You Must Be Here” India Business Law Journal (March 8, 2023); Obhan Essenese “Suing AI Will Need Better Human Law” India Business Law Journal (January 13, 2023); Obhan Essenese “Patently Obvious That Errors Can Be Corrected” India Business Law Journal (August 4, 2022); Obhan Essenese “Online Advertising Must Not Overstep the Mark” India Business Law Journal (June 7, 2022); Obhan Essenese “FSSAI Notification Gives Major Boost to Hemp Industry” India Business Law Journal (March 30, 2022); Obhan Essenese “Hazards of Exporting Dual-Use Technology” India Business Law Journal (February 11, 2022); Obhan Essenese “What Is the Law Around Joint Patent Ownership in India” Managing IP Correspondent (September 10, 2019); Obhan Essenese “Copyright Irrelevant for Proving Use as Trademark” Mondaq (March 4, 2019); Obhan Essenese “Is Not-Working of A Patent in India Against Public Interest?” Mitteilungen der deutschen Patentanwälten (February 2018); Obhan Essenese “Monsanto vs. Indian Seed Companies: Enforcement of Rejected Patent Claims” Spicy IP Patent, Plant Variety Protection (March 23, 2017); Obhan Essenese “Brand Enforcement: The Use of The Advertising Standards Council of India as An Effective Tool” World Intellectual Property Review (October 01, 2011); Obhan Essenese “Strategies for Assigning Patents” Managing Intellectual Property Strategies for Assigning Patents (September 01, 2009) ; Obhan Essenese “Software Patenting in India” Spicy IP Guest Post on Software Patenting in India (February 28, 2009)
