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In a world driven by innovation, creativity, and digital transformation, intellectual property (IP) rights have become more crucial than ever. From protecting groundbreaking inventions to safeguarding artistic expressions, IP law stands as the backbone of creativity and commerce. However, there still exists a lack of awareness when it comes to IPR, especially among young business owners, researchers and students.
Having recognized this, Saltanat Jazbi, a trailblazer in the Indian IPR sector is on a mission to improve awareness about the criticality of protecting IP assets. Armed with over two decades of experience, she founded S Jazel IP Consultants in 2021 to help young Indian companies and startups address all IPR needs. With over two decades of experience, a trailblazer in the IPR sector, Saltanat Jazbi has been working in the field helping inventors obtain patents and emphasizes the importance of protecting IPR in various countries.
An engineer in electronics by qualification, Saltanat’s foray into the field of law was serendipitous. After marriage and motherhood, she strived to return to work and joined a law firm where she was introduced to the field of IPR. With time, Saltanat deepened her expertise particularly in the patent sector, gaining knowledge about Indian and international IPR law alike.
Tell us about the key areas of expertise you have developed as an IP and trademark attorney over the years.
As an IP lawyer, I specialize in preparation of patent, design and trademark applications, filing and prosecution, IP litigation support and enforcement. I advise clients on IP protection, infringements and provide strategic guidance to startups. I assist clients in tailoring their IP strategies across patents, trademarks, designs, and copyrights, helping them build strong IP portfolios.
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What motivated you to establish S Jazel IP Consultants? What is the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise?
Lack of IP awareness remains a significant challenge in India. While the Indian government has introduced initiatives like the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) program to support startups in securing patents, trademarks, and designs, there is still much to be done to educate business owners about the importance of intellectual property rights.
To address this gap, I founded S Jazel IP Consultants in 2021, which is an IPR consulting firm dedicated to intellectual property practice. Initially starting as a patent freelancer, I discovered my passion for providing broader IP solutions, which led me to establish my own firm. My team, primarily composed of women, specializes in offering advisory services and IPR solutions, with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs. At S Jazel IP Consultants, we listen to their ideas and strategies, helping transform them into reality by safeguarding and managing their intellectual assets.
The firm also extends its expertise to students and researchers by conducting webinars and presentations to raise IPR awareness. While awareness has grown over time, continued efforts are needed to educate entrepreneurs on recognizing IP as a valuable business asset.
What key roles and responsibilities do you shoulder as S Jazel IP Consultants’ Founder and Director?
As a founder and director, I provide legal expertise and business leadership for my team, overseeing patent, trademark, and design filings for businesses, startups, innovators, students, and individuals. I also lead patent prosecution, advise on IP litigation, and manage business development to expand the firm's reach. My role involves seeking new opportunities to enhance knowledge and grow the firm, ensuring employment and job creation.
What critical challenges do you encounter as an entrepreneur in the Indian IPR space? What steps do you take to overcome these roadblocks?
The IP landscape in India is evolving, but several challenges persist, including a lack of awareness and the time-consuming process of securing patents. Many businesses underestimate the value of patents and trademarks, resulting in limited interests in protecting their brands and innovations. To address this, I conduct IP awareness program to educate startups and businesses on leveraging IP as a business asset.
The lengthy patent processes, often taking three to four years, can demotivate small-scale inventors and SMEs. To overcome these issues, clients are advised to go for expedited routes, by filing expedited examinations requests, and exploring international IP registrations in markets where they can commercialize their innovations effectively.
How do you foresee the Indian IP and trademark landscape evolving going forward? How do you align yourself with the evolving industry trends?
The Indian IP landscape is thriving, due to rising patent filings and government initiatives. The patent office conducts programs such as WIPO PCT Madrid Roving Seminars to promote awareness in respect of protecting the IP and innovations globally. AI-based tools for patent searches are evolving, improving efficiency and enabling faster examination of IP applications.
Indian government has demonstrably strengthened its IP laws and streamlined patent examination. For instance, the recent revisions to the patent rules, aimed at reducing pendency and promoting faster grant by reducing examination requests timelines, indicate a commitment to expediting the process. Collaborations with international IP offices and participation in global treaties like the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) are designed to facilitate cross-border patent protection.
I stay aligned with evolving industry trends by continuously updating my knowledge through conferences, seminars, and publications related to IP. I monitor policy changes like PPH and Indian patent rule amendments, and conduct awareness programs to help clients adapt to evolving IP trends.
Saltanat Jazbi, Founder & Director, S Jazel IP Consultants
Saltanat Jazbi is the Founder and Director of S Jazel IP Consultants, a firm specializing in intellectual property (IP) services, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, IP licensing, IP valuation, legal agreements, and contracts. She is an experienced IPR expert, and a registered Indian Patent Agent with over 20 years of expertise in the IP field. Saltanat has worked in leading law firms, offering strategic patent services, business planning, operations, prosecutions, and enforcements across various jurisdictions.
