Customs Law
Customs law in India prohibits the importation of goods that infringe intellectual property rights—serving as a vital frontier in combating counterfeiting and large-scale IP infringement. With over 600 seaports and inland ports, customs monitoring remains central to IP enforcement. Proactive customs enforcement is most effective when rightsholders remain vigilant, engage in training, and participate in suspension hearings. This approach often proves more cost-effective than pursuing downstream litigation.
Our dedicated customs team delivers full-spectrum services, from initial e-recordation of IP rights (currently supported at ~44 ports) through to the conclusion of enforcement actions, including show-cause hearings and appellate proceedings. We work closely with clients in major Indian ports and routinely support customs authorities. We also provide structured training workshops—often in collaboration with brand owners and industry groups such as REACT—to educate customs officials on identifying infringements and managing enforcement under the IPR Rules.
Our customs practice empowers IP owners to enforce their rights at India's borders by:
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Registering rights and Notices of Recordal at customs.
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Prompt enforcement and suspension of infringing consignments.
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Managing show-cause hearings, seizures, and appeals.
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Conducting training and capacity-building initiatives for customs authorities.
With thoroughly integrated enforcement and education strategies, we offer clients a robust and cost-efficient solution to protect their IP at the border.