It has come to the attention of this office that certain online service providers are engaging in advertising and solicitation of legal services related to IP registration / grant through various digital and online platforms, which is prima facie prohibited under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules. Allegations have also been made regarding misrepresentation and fraudulent activities by certain online service providers. Such unauthorized practices, if are being practiced, create confusion, erode trust in the statutory IPR framework, and undermine the confidence of genuine IP applicants in the legitimacy of Indian IPR ecosystem. Such actions are against the law laid down by the Hon’ble Madras High Court. In the case of P.N. Vignesh vs. The Chairman and Members of the Bar Council 2024 SCC Online Mad 2770, the Hon’ble Court observed that Advocates are prohibited from directly or indirectly soliciting clients, including through third-party online platforms or advertisement, and that such conduct amounts to professional misconduct under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules. Further to it the online legal service providers are also not eligible to practice before Trademarks Registry as per the provisions of the TM Act 1999. In light of the above, an online public hearing is scheduled on 4 th December, 2025 from 15:30 to 17:00 Hrs to seek the views to safe guard the interests of stakeholders and to ensure the maintenance of a transparent and healthy IP ecosystem.

Source: https://www.ipindia.gov.in/Home/NewsDetail?News=Public%20Notice%3A%20Public%20Hearing%20regarding%20online%20IP%20services