Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is a leading full-service law firm with over three decades of experience. It operates across 14 major cities and employs more than 500 professionals, including lawyers, economists, and technical experts. Known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, taxation, dispute resolution, and intellectual property, the firm serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses and startups to large Indian corporations and multinational companies. It has built a reputation for its in-depth knowledge across both traditional and emerging industries. The teams have worked with sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and automobiles, as well as modern fields such as e-commerce, renewable energy, and big data.
For IP, the firm remains in the top tier. It is famed for its contentious patent know-how, where the subject matter requires deep and detailed knowledge. The firm is a market leader in plant genomics and plant variety protection. The IP group has demonstrated expertise in handling complex patent litigation and advisory matters, particularly in cases involving pharmaceuticals and technological innovations. The firm’s robust and historical tax practice is particularly well-regarded for its work in taxation, including GST, customs, and direct tax matters. Its insights into tax reforms and compliance are frequently sought after, and the firm has developed practical tools like a GST Toolkit to assist businesses with implementation and compliance. The firm’s international trade and WTO practice has also positioned it as a preferred advisor for businesses navigating global trade regulations and disputes.
Recently, LKS has been recognized for its commentary on critical legal developments, including changes in GST rate structures and procedural timelines under tax laws. It has also provided detailed analysis of rulings in areas such as process patent infringement and dual proceedings by state and central authorities under the CGST Act.
The firm’s ability to blend technical expertise with practical application is a defining feature. For example, it has been actively involved in advising on the taxation of derivatives, intermediary services, and the implications of artificial intelligence on investment trends in healthcare. The team’s ability to connect legal frameworks with industry-specific challenges makes them trusted partners for businesses facing complex regulatory environments.
Key firm contacts are IP practice head Malathi Lakshmikumaran, who is a specialist in the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals sectors. Managing partner V Lakshmikumaran is a go-to name for tax matters. Notable clients in the arbitration arena occupy the steel, power, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism, and infrastructure sectors.
