EXPLAINER: Why the DCB’s ex-ante approach may not be right to address Big Tech concerns
In March, the Committee on Digital Competition Law in India released its report, which included the draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024 (DCB). However, the proposed regulatory approach envisioned in the DCB is raising more concerns than it aims to alleviate. Legal experts and policy groups say it increases compliance, stifles…
FEATURE: Type C for Tech
Indian law firms have been reluctant to invest in legal technology. However, with the advent of precise AI-based technologies and an increasingly competitive market, embracing legal technology is no longer an option but a necessity.
IN HOUSE INSIGHT: The In-House Counsel’s Role in Fundraising
In the dynamic landscape of the private equity and venture capital sector, the role of an in-house counsel extends far beyond mere advisory duties and handling negotiations during the investment stage.
Death of a Tribunal: How India's NCLT Fades in Influence
Lack of judicial capacity, incompetency, and frivolous litigation in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) have led to decreased values and increased timelines for debt recovery under India’s bankruptcy code, driving financial creditors and prospective debt buyers away from India’s foremost stressed asset resolution scheme.
IN-HOUSE INSIGHT: ESG and a GC’s Role in Encouraging Sustainable Business Practices
Over the past few years, businesses are increasingly gaining a conscience regarding the need to address sustainability-related issues. Owing to this newfound corporate awakening, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives have slowly transitioned from being beneficial add-ons to becoming business imperatives. ESG has become a focal point for investors, customers, suppliers, commercial partners, regulators, and other key stakeholders in the supply chain. Earlier this year, a report published by Morgan Stanley revealed that more than three-quarters of global investors are interested in sustainable investing, and believe that strong ESG practices can lead to higher financial returns.
Q&A: ‘This partnership aims to strengthen ties and promote legal cooperation’
Ajit Mishra is the founder and chair of the UK-India Legal Partnership (UKILP), which aims to bring about networking and closer ties between lawyers in the two countries. He explains his reasons behind setting up the UKILP, talks about why most UK law firms prefer to run their India desks from Singapore and Dubai instead of opening offices in India, and the industry view from within the country about the liberalisation of the legal market.
EXPLAINER: Disney-Reliance Media Mega-Merger Faces Antitrust Scrutiny
The proposed stock and cash media and entertainment mega-merger between Disney’s India business and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance’s media unit Viacom18 is now in its final stages, with antitrust due diligence reportedly underway.
EXPLAINER: Could the listing of a not-for-profit revolutionise social sector financing?
SGBS Unnati Foundation, a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organisation (NPO), became the first such entity to be listed on India’s social stock exchanges (SSE) just a year after the authorities allowed for such listings in order to promote a transparent and credible way for NPOs to raise funds
FORUM: What To Expect in 2024
The year gone by was a big one for the Indian legal market. The market opened to international law firms and disruptive technology-based tools and practices. More lawyers set up specialised firms, and in-house counsel got a lot more sophisticated. Continuous regulatory reforms promised new work as transactional lawyers looked to adapt to a global slowdown and a funding winter. Law firms say that 2024 will bring more investment in in-house capabilities, adoption of technology, focus on new laws like data privacy, and increase of sectoral and business knowledge.
A Rise in Domestic Patent Filings Signals Innovation-Driven Tech Growth
India has experienced a record year in terms of patent filings and grants as per the latest international and government indicators, signalling an increase in innovation-driven growth in the country, and a rise in demand for technically savvy lawyers.