Sharad is Managing Partner at Kan and Krishme in New Delhi, India where he has worked since 1994.
He is an IP attorney, and registered Patent and Trademark Attorney. He has specialist expertise across research and development, and in the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical and electronic patents.
As Managing Partner at Kan and Krishme, Sharad is expansive about the value of partnership working.
“Our value proposition centres on being not just legal advisors but strategic partners in our clients' innovation journeys, committed to safeguarding their creative and commercial endeavours with integrity and excellence.”
“The most satisfying aspect of my career has been the opportunity to work closely with inventors — guiding them in protecting and commercialising their ideas. Assisting clients in navigating the complexities of IP law across different countries to safeguard their innovations, and witnessing those protected ideas evolve into successful products and services, brings immense fulfillment.”
It's the end result of those patents and trade marks that Sharad sees as important:
“Ultimately, the greatest joy lies in knowing that our work directly supports progress — we protect the intangible, the ideas that drive economies and change lives.”
Education & training
• Registered with Bar Council of Delhi as an Advocate
• Registered Patent Agent & Trademark Attorney
• 1990-1993: LLB - Faculty of Law - University of Delhi
• 1989-1990: Diploma in Rubber and Rubber related Chemicals
• 1987-1989: M.Sc (Chemistry)
• 1983-1987: B.Sc (Hons)
Professional background
• 1994 - date: Kan and Krishme
• 1989-1993: Senior Patent Attorney and Consultant in Remfry and Sagar
A recent IP challenge
Sharad enjoys working for an independent company.
“This gives me the flexibility to build long-standing, trust-based relationships with clients across sectors and jurisdictions. It allows me to serve not just as a legal advisor, but as a strategic partner in their innovation journey.”
He gave a recent example where his team conducted a Freedom to Operate (FTO) search for a Japanese company they were in the process of onboarding.
“While the specifics are, of course, confidential, what made this matter particularly enjoyable was the fact that the company had very limited familiarity with Indian IP laws and procedures. So, our role extended well beyond just delivering the FTO report — we worked closely with their team to help them understand how to interpret the results and apply them practically to their business strategy in India. That’s when the work becomes most fulfilling for me — when it moves beyond black-letter law and turns into a strategic conversation.”
Adding value to clients
Delivering comprehensive and strategic counsel in intellectual property (IP) law, tailored to the unique needs of each client, is at the heart of Kan and Krishme’s service.
“Our firm's strength lies in seamlessly integrating deep legal expertise with technical proficiency across various domains, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and mechanical engineering. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to offer end-to-end services—from drafting and prosecuting patents to managing trademarks, designs, and copyrights—ensuring robust protection and enforcement of our clients' IP assets.”
The team comprises seasoned professionals with a superior record of academic, professional, and civic achievements.
Sharad also gains a profound sense of satisfaction from mentoring the next generation of IP professionals — helping them to understand the nuances of the constantly evolving IP field and to uphold the standards of excellence and ethics that the profession demands.
“We combine the sophistication and expertise of a large firm with the responsiveness and personal dedication of a medium-sized firm,” says Sharad. “This structure allows us to provide personalised attention while handling complex and large-scale IP portfolios effectively.”
Best practice to share with FICPI members
One best practice that Sharad believes will resonate with the FICPI global community is his firm’s strong focus on cross-functional training and internal knowledge-sharing across jurisdictions.
“At Kan and Krishme, we recognise that while IP rights may be territorial, IP law is not — it is deeply global in nature. To serve our clients effectively, our attorneys are encouraged to develop a working knowledge not just of Indian IP law, but also of international procedures and practices, especially in regions like the US, Europe, and Asia.
"For instance, we regularly conduct internal workshops where our teams present recent international case law, procedural developments, or trends in enforcement, and we discuss how they might impact Indian practice or our clients’ global strategy. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and ensures that every client benefits from a well-rounded, international perspective.”
Beyond legal services, Kan and Krishme actively engages with governmental bodies in shaping IP policies and contributes to the global IP discourse through participation in international organisations such as FICPI, APAA, AIPLA, AIPPI, and INTA.
“This involvement keeps us at the forefront of emerging IP trends and legislative developments, directly benefitting our clients,” says Sharad.
Another practice that stands out for Sharad is Kan and Krishme’s client-specific teams. For each key client, the firm forms a dedicated team that combines legal, technical, and strategic expertise. This ensures consistency, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the client’s industry and long-term goals.
“These practices have helped us strengthen international collaborations, offer nuanced advice, and build lasting relationships — all of which align closely with FICPI’s mission of promoting excellence and cooperation in the IP profession worldwide.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
Sharad forecasts that the future belongs to the adaptive, tech-integrated, business-savvy IP professional.
“One of the most prominent changes will be the increased integration of AI and data analytics into IP practice,” he says. “From prior art searches and patent landscape analysis to drafting assistance and enforcement monitoring, AI tools will [have already] become indispensable. While these technologies may not replace legal reasoning or strategic judgment, they demand that independent attorneys become more tech-savvy and capable of interpreting automated insights in a meaningful, client-focused way.”
He also believes that clients—especially startups—are increasingly looking for attorneys who can go beyond the role of a traditional IP prosecutor or litigator.
“They expect strategic IP advisors who understand not just the law, but also innovation cycles, business models, and the commercial value of intangible assets. This shift requires independent attorneys to upskill in areas like valuation, licensing, and innovation policy.”
Value of FICPI membership
Sharad has been a member of FICPI for many years.
He was a founding member of the FICPI India Group, and Secretary and President of the FICPI India Group for two terms. During his tenure he organised/coordinated several FICPI Executive Body Roundtable Meetings as well as meetings with the Controller Generals of Patents, Trademarks and Designs of India.
Sharad is an active member of FICPI International’s Study & Work Group on Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals (CET 5).
“Contributing to government policymaking for stronger IP enforcement, travelling frequently to meet friends and colleagues around the world, having friends in almost every country, and experiencing different cultures are some of the many enriching aspects of being an independent IP attorney.
“FICPI’s Practice Management Committee, including the Business Development subcommittee, offers very relevant and helpful insights on growing and managing an IP practice — something incredibly relevant to independent firms like ours.”
Indeed, pitching to new clients and growing the business is one of Sharad’s favourite areas of work.
“I find the process of crafting tailored proposals, researching the client’s specific needs, and presenting solutions that speak directly to their goals both intellectually stimulating and personally energizing. Even the follow-up process is something I find engaging, as it keeps me alert, creative, and constantly learning.”
Continuing professional development is important for Sharad and his team.
“FICPI’s seminars are always on-point, tackling current issues with real-world applicability. The members themselves are a standout — a group of highly experienced, skilled professionals who are generous with their time, ideas, and collaboration.”
He enjoys the unique mix of practical value, global perspective, and professional camaraderie that FICPI brings.
“And of course, the conferences in exotic, upscale locations add a personal joy to the professional experience. It’s a community that sharpens your expertise while enriching your global outlook.
“It’s a privilege to be part of a global network that values expertise, collaboration, and the human side of professional connection.”
Final word – outside of work
Outside of work, Sharad is deeply passionate about investing — specifically, in the Indian stock market. He enjoys studying long-term investment strategies, exploring opportunities for passive income, and understanding the broader dynamics of financial markets.
He also enjoys discussing these ideas with friends and family — turning what he’s learned into meaningful conversations that often spark new perspectives or inspire others to start their own financial journeys!
Do take the opportunity to talk to Sharad at your next FICPI event.
“I truly enjoy bridging worlds — whether it’s between different legal systems, industries, or even generations. I find great satisfaction in making complex systems more accessible, whether I’m advising international clients unfamiliar with Indian IP law or mentoring young attorneys starting out in their careers.”