Essenese Obhan

About Essenese :

Essenese Obhan is the managing partner of Obhan Mason, ranked among India’s leading firms. As an Intellectual Property lawyer and Patent Agent he is considered “a strategically minded IP veteran with several high-stakes, high-profile licensing disputes under his belt”, and “is the first choice for many Fortune 500 companies and leading domestic businesses.”

Described as “versatile and meticulous” and “an ideal IP attorney” for his “sharp understanding of technology”, Essenese has been instructed on matters involving IP infringement, passing off and dilution, international arbitration involving IP disputes, and other enforcement actions before the courts and tribunals across India. Besides these, he also leads the team in non-contentious matters including handling global portfolios, IP acquisition and transfer exercises and prosecution services.

Essenese leads a “well-respected practice” with three offices across India – Delhi, Pune and Bangalore – and is considered “adept” at handling IP work for sectors such as engineering, electronics & communications, IT, software, biotechnology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, nanotechnology and agribusiness.

Frequently sought out by major multinationals for “his business-savvy advice on portfolio management, strategy and licensing”, Essenese has successfully led the team in several litigious matters for clients, including ad interim patent and trade mark injunctions, securing permanent trademark injunction for the security solutions provider G4S; defended clients against multiple claims of infringement from patent trolls; and advised a leading domestic advertising agency in copyright dispute against a global ad major. Essenese also oversees the enforcement team that has deep experience in conducting local commissions against counterfeiters across the country, in response to court orders for this purpose that it receives routinely.

Known for being “very professional”, “extremely capable”, and for providing responsive, tailored quality service, Essenese has built a “prompt and approachable” practice that is increasingly an instinctive choice for clients for everything – from managing large portfolios to prosecution, licensing, as well as contentious proceedings, including oppositions in trademark or patent matters before various IP offices.

Essenese has been consistently recognised for over a decade, for his practice across leading directories, including Chambers 500, the Legal 500, IAM 1000, WTR 1000, AsiaLaw, Benchmark Litigation, and Managing IP:

Chambers 2026: “Essenese Obhan has exceptional legal and technical skills, with a wide-ranging ability to handle diverse and complex matters.”

Legal 500 2026: “Essenese Obhan is a standout leader in the firm. He is highly respected for his strategic thinking, depth of knowledge in IP and calm, solutions-driven approach. Clients value his ability to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and foresight, always offering advice that is not only legally sound but also commercially astute. He is approachable, responsive, and consistently focused on delivering value.”

IAM Patent 1000 2026: “Essenese Obhan is as seasoned as he is versatile: he can handle anything from patent prosecution to commercialisation and contentious proceedings and is in high demand among Fortune 500 Companies.”

WTR 1000 2026: “Working with Essenese has been nothing short of exceptional. His depth of knowledge in trademark law, coupled with a proactive and strategic approach, makes all the difference. He navigated a volume of filings and with clarity and precision, always keeping business goals at the forefront. What truly sets him apart is not just his legal expertise, but his dedication, responsiveness, and genuine interest in client success.”

Essenese currently serves as the Vice President of Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) India, the President of the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI) Academy and as Executive member of International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) India. He is also a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), Intellectual Property Owners Associates (IPO), European Communities Trademark Association (ECTA), MARQUES and Association of Intellectual Property Firms (AIPF).

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