Google Challenges NCLAT Verdict in Supreme Court Over Android Ecosystem Abuse

Google has officially appealed to the Supreme Court of India against the March 2025 ruling by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which had partially upheld the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings that the tech giant abused its dominance in the Android ecosystem, reported Bar & Bench. 

Key Allegations Upheld by NCLAT

Unfair Play Store policies: Google was found to have imposed mandatory use of Google Play Billing System (GPBS) on app developers, while exempting its own apps like YouTube.

Promotion of Google Pay: The tribunal concluded that Google leveraged its dominance in licensable smartphone OS and app store markets to promote Google Pay, violating Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act.

Unfair conditions on developers: Mandatory use of GPBS was deemed discriminatory under Section 4(2)(a)(i).

Penalty Recalibration

• Original CCI fine: ₹936.44 crore
• Revised by NCLAT: ₹216.69 crore, based only on Play Store-specific revenues

Procedural Twist

• On May 1, NCLAT issued a clarification reinstating two key directives:
• Google must disclose data policies.
• Google must not leverage billing data for competitive advantage.

What’s Next?

Google filed its appeal on July 21, 2025.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case soon, potentially reshaping how digital platforms are regulated in India.

Devas Vs. ISRO's Antrix: The Satellite Deal That Sparked a Billion-Dollar Legal War

The US Supreme Court has recently ruled that the $1.29 billion lawsuit against ISRO-owned Antrix Corporation can proceed in American courts, marking a significant escalation in the long-running legal dispute between India and Devas Multimedia. The case revolves around a 2005 satellite deal between Antrix and Devas, which was abruptly canceled in 2011 by the Indian government over national security concerns.

The Deal and Its Collapse

In 2005, under the leadership of ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair and Antrix Corporation Managing Director K.R. Sridhar Murthy, Antrix signed a contract with Devas Multimedia to provide satellite-based broadband services by leasing S-band transponder capacity on the GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A satellites. At the time, the Minister of Space was the-then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, while Dayanidhi Maran held the Communications & IT portfolio.

However, by 2011, the deal was scrapped amid concerns about spectrum undervaluation and potential security risks. ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan and Communications & IT Minister Kapil Sibal were in office when the cancellation decision was made. The termination coincided with India's 2G telecom spectrum controversy, raising questions about transparency and policy inconsistencies.

Devas Multimedia was founded in 2004 and was led by Dr. M.G. Chandrasekhar, a former Scientific Secretary at ISRO. Another key founder associated with the company is Ramachandran Viswanathan. The company was based in Bangalore, India, and aimed to provide satellite broadband services across the country.

Devas also attracted investment from Deutsche Telekom, which acquired a 17% stake for about $75 million. 

Legal Battle in US Courts

Following the Antrix-Devas deal cancellation, Devas Multimedia initiated arbitration, claiming that India's decision was unjustified and amounted to contractual breach. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) later ordered Devas’ liquidation in 2021, a ruling upheld by the Indian Supreme Court. Yet, Devas pursued enforcement of the arbitral award across multiple jurisdictions.

In 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the lawsuit, asserting that Antrix lacked sufficient ties to the US under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). However, in a unanimous 2025 Supreme Court ruling, US justices determined that jurisdiction exists under FSIA when an immunity exception applies and service is proper—allowing the case to proceed.

Implications for India’s Arbitration Strategy

The ruling could shape how India navigates international arbitration, influencing future disputes involving state-owned enterprises and sovereign immunity claims. With global companies increasingly challenging Indian regulatory decisions in foreign courts, the case underscores India's need for a more cohesive legal strategy to protect its interests on the international stage.

As India moves forward, the lawsuit raises critical questions about how sovereign decisions intersect with global business agreements —and whether government-backed enterprises can shield themselves from costly legal battles abroad.

Global Jeans Giant Sued Local Manufacturer, Then Hired Them!

Justice Manmohan, a Judge of Supreme Court of India and a former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, recently shared an intriguing case where a global jeans brand sued a small Indian manufacturer for counterfeiting. Initially, the brand secured an injunction against the manufacturer, but the court referred the matter to mediation.

During the mediation process, something unexpected happened—the brand recognized the high-quality craftsmanship of the manufacturer and, instead of pursuing litigation, decided to appoint them as an official supplier.

It turned out that the defendant was producing excellent quality jeans. The brand, which had been struggling to find a reliable supplier, ended up appointing the defendant as its official manufacturer, Justice Manmohan said.

This case highlights the transformative potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly under India’s new Mediation Act. Justice Manmohan emphasized that mediation can not only resolve disputes but also create unexpected partnerships, turning adversaries into collaborators.

Beyond this case, he also discussed broader legal challenges, including standard essential patents (SEPs), AI regulation, and cross-border dispute resolution. His remarks underscore the need for adaptable legal frameworks in an era of rapid technological and commercial evolution.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving disputes outside traditional court litigation. It is designed to be faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than formal legal proceedings. ADR is widely used in commercial, civil, and even family disputes.

Common ADR Methods

1. Mediation – A neutral third party (mediator) helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable solution. The mediator does not impose a decision but facilitates dialogue.
2. Arbitration – A more formal process where an arbitrator (or panel) hears both sides and makes a binding decision, similar to a court ruling but often quicker.
3. Conciliation – Similar to mediation, but the conciliator plays a more active role in suggesting solutions.
4. Negotiation – The simplest form, where parties directly discuss and resolve their dispute without third-party intervention.
5. Lok Adalat (in India) – A unique ADR mechanism where disputes are settled in a community-based setting, often used for civil and minor criminal cases.

ADR is gaining traction globally, especially with the rise of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), which leverages technology to resolve conflicts remotely.

Source : BarAndBench.com

Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Cisco to Challenge Modi Govt's Decision to Auction Lower 6GHz Spectrum Band in Court

Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Cisco are considering legal action against the Indian government's decision to auction the lower 6GHz spectrum band for telecom services instead of delicensing it for broader WiFi and AI applications.

Key Points:

1. Auction Decision: The Indian government recently approved the auction of the lower 6GHz spectrum band for use by telecom operators to offer wireless telephony services using technologies like 5G and 6G.
2. Tech Companies' Stance: The tech giants argue that this decision could hinder India's technological growth and economic benefits, as the global trend is to delicense these airwaves for broader applications.
3. Broadband India Forum (BIF): The BIF, representing major tech firms, has been advocating for the delicensing of the 6GHz band, highlighting its importance for data-intensive applications such as AR/VR, gaming streaming, and artificial intelligence.
4. Global Practices: In many countries, including the US, the 6GHz spectrum has been delicensed, allowing non-telecom companies to operate in this band and offer services like WiFi-6.

The tech companies believe that the combined economic benefit of delicensing the 6GHz spectrum and the innovation it would foster would be much higher than the one-off revenue from an auction.

Indian Book Publishers File Copyright Lawsuit Against OpenAI

A coalition of Indian book publishers, including prominent names like Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, Cambridge University Press, Pan Macmillan, Rupa Publications, and S. Chand and Co., has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against OpenAI in the Delhi High Court. The Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) is leading this legal action.

The lawsuit centers on the use of copyrighted book content by OpenAI's ChatGPT to generate summaries, which the publishers argue could undermine book sales and creativity within the publishing industry. The FIP has demanded that OpenAI cease accessing their copyrighted works, negotiate licensing agreements, or delete the datasets used in AI training and outline compensation plans.

OpenAI has responded to the copyright lawsuit filed by Indian publishers in the Delhi High Court. OpenAI argued that the Delhi High Court lacks jurisdiction over the case because the company does not have any physical presence or servers in India.

OpenAI mentioned that deleting the training data, as requested by the publishers, would violate its legal obligations under US law. The Sam Altman led AI company emphasized that it is bound to maintain the integrity of their training data due to ongoing legal requirements.

OpenAI maintained that its AI systems make fair use of publicly available data, which is a common practice in AI development.

The court is scheduled to hear the case on January 28, 2025.

This case is part of a broader global trend where content creators are challenging the use of their copyrighted material in training AI systems. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for intellectual property rights and the future of AI development in India.

Man Files Case Against Matrimony Site After Not Finding Bride, Received Rs 25000 as Compensation

A consumer court in Kerala's Ernakulam recently directed Kerala Matrimony to pay Rs 25,000 in compensation to a man who alleged that the match-making portal failed to find him a bride. The court observed that the man was one of several victims of the platform. Additionally, the matrimonial website must refund the Rs 4,100 fee they charged him, along with Rs 3,000 as litigation costs.

The case arose when the man registered on Kerala Matrimony's website in 2018, paying a subscription fee for three months. Despite his payment, the website allegedly failed to provide the promised services, leading to the court's ruling.

District forum chairman DB Binu and other members Ramachandran V and Srividya TN passed the order on May 15 after concluding that there was deficiency in service on the part of Kerala Matrimony.

According to Bar and Bench, the forum said that the complainant was one of the many 'victims' of the matrimonial website and public opinion from social media was also collected by the complainant to strengthen her case.

The forum said, 'The opposition party made attractive statements to attract the attention of the life partner seekers and did not provide the required services. It has not presented any evidence to prove that it has provided the services promised to the complainant."

In the past too, users have reported encountering fake profiles on matrimony sites. These profiles may be created by scammers or individuals with malicious intent. It's essential for users to verify the authenticity of profiles before engaging in conversations. In some cases, users have found that the information provided in profiles (such as education, occupation, or family background) doesn't match reality. Misrepresentation can lead to disappointment and frustration.

Delhi-based SFLC.in Moves Kerala High Court Against Recent Government Ban on 14 Open Source Apps

Delhi-based legal not-for-profit organization SFLC.in has filed a writ petition before Kerala High Court for producing and quashing the order passed by the Central Government under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 banning the free and open source software.

The Kerala High Court today issued notice through court order to the Deputy Solicitor General of India on a challenge to the blocking of Element and Briar applications. The applications, which are Free and Open Source in nature, were blocked by the Central Government under Section 69A, IT Act, 2000 and Blocking Rules, 2009.

The matter will come up for hearing next on 29th May, 2023. SFLC.in provided legal assistance to the petitioners in the matter.

On 1st May, 2023, several news media outlets reported that the Central Government had blocked 14 mobile apps for messaging (under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000), on the grounds of these apps being allegedly used for communication between bad actors in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The list of blocked applications include 2 widely- used FOSS applications, namely ‘Element’ and ‘Briar’ that software developers, technologists, innovators and entrepreneurs utilize on a daily basis.

In its petition, SFLC.in noted that the use of such FOSS applications enabled several benefits like enhanced interoperability, reduced costs, vendor independence, greater localization and developing local growth of the IT sector in India.

The petition also notes that the order for blocking the applications places unreasonable restrictions on the exercise of Freedom of Speech and Expression, and Freedom to Carry Out Trade and Business, as guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The order has also not been made public which suffers from the vice of gross violation of the Principles of Natural Justice insofar as no notice has been served to the Petitioners, nor has any opportunity of hearing granted till date, as mandated under the relevant rules, i.e., Blocking Rules, 2009.

The petition has been filed to produce the order banning these applications and staying the operation and implementation of the order. It also challenges Rule 16 of the Blocking Rules.

About SFLC.in:

SFLC.in is a donor-supported legal services organization that has united lawyers, policy analysts, technologists, business professionals, students and citizens to protect freedom in the digital world since 2010. In discussions of technology where Industry and Governments have representations, we endeavor to present the rights of Indian citizens. We fight the good fight in keeping the Internet open, secure and safe for all.

Our objective is to help Indian policymakers make informed and just decisions in the use and adoption of technology for production of pro-humanity IT. We promote innovation and open access to knowledge by helping developers make great Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), and protect privacy and civil liberties of citizens in the digital world. This is achieved through education, original research, policy engagement and provision of free legal services. For press queries, please drop a mail to press@sflc.in.

The Role of Immigration Lawyers

The process of immigrating to a new country can be complex and overwhelming, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the laws and regulations surrounding immigration. This is where immigration lawyers come in. These professionals play a vital role in helping individuals and families navigate the immigration process and find solutions to the various challenges they may face. If you are considering immigrating to the United States and are in need of legal assistance, it is important to find immigration attorney in NYC who can provide the guidance and support you need.

What is the role of Immigration Lawyers?

Immigration lawyers are trained to handle a wide range of legal issues related to immigration, including visas, green cards, naturalization, and deportation proceedings. They can help clients understand their rights and options under the law, and provide representation in court or before immigration authorities.

One of the primary roles of immigration lawyers is to advise clients on the best course of action for their specific situation. This may involve helping clients determine which visa category they are eligible for, or assisting with the application process for permanent residence. Immigration lawyers can also provide counsel on issues related to employment, family reunification, and political asylum.

In addition to advising clients, immigration lawyers also play an important advocacy role. They may represent clients in court, negotiate with immigration officials, or advocate for policy changes on behalf of their clients. This can be particularly important for individuals who are facing deportation or other adverse actions by immigration authorities.

In some cases, immigration lawyers may also be called upon to educate the public and policymakers about immigration issues. They may participate in public speaking events, write articles or blog posts, or engage in other forms of outreach to help inform the public about the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants. This can be an important aspect of their work, as it helps to increase awareness and understanding of the complex issues surrounding immigration.

Additionally, immigration lawyers may also work with community organizations and advocacy groups to provide pro bono (free) legal services to low-income immigrants who may not otherwise have access to legal representation. This is an important way for immigration lawyers to give back to the community and help ensure that all immigrants have access to the legal support they need.

Choosing a Immigration Lawyer

Finding a reputable immigration lawyer in NYC can be a daunting task, as there are many professionals claiming to be experts in this field. It is important to do your research and choose a lawyer who is well-respected and has a proven track record of success. There are several resources available to help you find a qualified immigration lawyer, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the New York State Bar Association. You can also ask friends, family, or other professionals for referrals.

When choosing an immigration lawyer, it is important to consider their experience and expertise. Look for a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the immigration laws and regulations that apply to your case. You should also consider the lawyer's communication style and personality, as you will be working with them closely throughout the immigration process.

It is also important to consider the fees associated with hiring an immigration lawyer. Many lawyers charge by the hour, while others may offer flat fees or contingency-based pricing. Be sure to discuss the fee structure with any lawyer you are considering hiring, and ask about any additional costs that may be incurred during the course of your case.

It is important to keep in mind that hiring an immigration lawyer does not guarantee a positive outcome in your case. Immigration laws and regulations can be complex and subject to change, and the success of your case may depend on a variety of factors beyond the control of your lawyer. However, an experienced immigration lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success by providing expert guidance, advocacy, and representation throughout the immigration process.

It’s worth noting that not all immigration cases require the assistance of a lawyer. In some cases, individuals may be able to handle their own immigration matters without legal assistance. However, if your case is particularly complex, or if you are facing deportation or other serious consequences, it is usually advisable to seek the help of a qualified immigration lawyer. In these situations, the expertise and support of a lawyer can be invaluable in helping you navigate the immigration system and achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Immigration lawyers play a vital role in helping individuals and families navigate the complex process of immigrating to the United States. If you are in need of legal assistance, it is important to find a reputable immigration attorney in NYC who can provide the guidance and support you need. Take the time to research and carefully choose a lawyer who is well-qualified and has a proven track record of success.

AITWA Launches “Lawyer on-the-Spot” - India’s 1st On-Road Legal Assistance Program

The program aims to provide 24*7 on-road legal assistance to transporters to give optimal legal support to commercial vehicles in need.

India, September 2021: AITWA (All India Transporters Welfare Association) announces the launch of India’s first on-road legal assistance program ‘Lawyer on-the-Spot’ (LotS) for the welfare of the Road Transport Fraternity. The pan-India program will be carried out in collaboration with Lawyered – India’s leading legal tech platform and will provide on-road legal support to commercial vehicles in need.

The program will provide 24x7 online legal help, immediate local legal representation and education on basic rights & procedures to commercial vehicles in need.

Being the second busiest in the world, India’s road network transports 980 million tonnes of cargo annually. Over 65 percent of the country’s cargo is transported by road. Further, road transport is most susceptible to interferences i.e. forced stoppages by concerned authorities and external agents which lead to corruption and the industry loses over $20 million annually. The loss of productivity due to these stoppages is a big concern as it potentially increases trip-cost by 40%.

To minimize the delay due to incidents like accidents, thefts and seizures of commercial vehicles by corrupt officials, AITWA has come forward to launch the “Lawyer on-the-Spot” program which provides on-road legal help to commercial vehicles facing such issues.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Mahendra Arya, President of AITWA said, “Incidents can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. However, it is imperative to understand that a majority of trucks get delayed due to forced stoppages or corrupt officials. Hence, the effective and timely intervention of a trained professional who knows the ins and outs of the laws and the authorities is required for the welfare of the Road Transport Fraternity. We are delighted to collaborate with Lawyered and look forward to providing optimal legal help to commercial vehicles.”

LotS involve a seamless process and provide 24*7 legal assistance to transporters in need. The customer can call on the helpline number (7669449669) and share the exact details of the incident. The helpline executives will then connect with local authorities on the location of the incident including Police, RTO, Taxation departments, etc and assist in resolving the matter instantly. Incidents that require on-the-spot support by a local lawyer, LotS will connect the customer to a nearby legal professional or lawyer. This service can be availed pan India.

“Furthering our mission to make law accessible to everyone, we are proud to associate with AITWA and extend 24x7 real-time pan India on-road legal assistance and access to the commercial vehicles fraternity. Our aim is to help the fraternity bring down huge productivity losses and minimize the impact of such incidents.” said Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Founder/CEO of Lawyered. Gautam Saraf, Chief Strategic Advisor, Lawyered, has been very instrumental in structuring and defining this initiative along with AITWA.

Being an apex body of India's Road Transport Sector, AITWA encourages transporters to put up a strong resistance against corrupt practices. Through Lawyer on-the-spot, AITWA strives to fight corruption legally in the road transport sector.

LegalTech Firm Legalwiz.in Inks MoU with National Design Business Incubator (NDBI)

• Aimed at enabling NDBI-backed StartUps to scale rapidly. 
• Providing best-in-class services to Design-driven enterprises. 
• NDBI incubates can also avail all services on Legalwiz.in Partner platform

Ahmedabad, India, July 12, 2021: Legalwiz.in, a leading LegalTech firm, today announced their partnership with National Design Business Incubator (NDBI). The Partnership will enable NDBI's incubates to avail Legalwiz.in's business professional services at preferential pricing. Also, NDBI's incubates can avail all the services on the Legalwiz.in Partner Services Platform – a one-stop source aimed at providing an array of vital business requirements like eCommerce, CRM, web development, customer care, financial services, payment gateways, etc...at pre-negotiated rates.

NDBI is Business Incubator of National Institute of Design (NID) and is supported by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. NDBI nurtures the culture of entrepreneurship in the creative minds of young entrepreneurs, so that their ideas metamorphose into newer and niftier products or services capable of being utilized commercially.

Started in April 2016 to cater to StartUps & SMEs, Legalwiz.in enables legal, financial, corporate & taxation compliances. Enabled with a robust technology backbone, every step of the process is online to ensure efficiency, transparency and maximum value. LegalWiz.in recently launched the Partner Platform initiative aimed at bringing together different companies on a single platform is aimed at helping clients avail best-in-class expertise for a variety of requirements – all at very competitive pricing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shrijay Sheth, Founder – Legalwiz.in, said, "We are proud to partner with NDBI to further accelerate design-led entrepreneurship and startups. I strongly believe that academia-industry collaborations will usher in the next phase of growth and drive entrepreneurship, creating market-facing, customer-ready products and services. Thus we have instituted partnership programs with Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) and entrepreneurship-cells of Universities, wherein nascent ventures can access best-in-class services in the ecosystem and focus on scaling their business. Partnering with industry leaders, we are striving to drive a culture of learning, collaboration and synergistic growth in the ecosystem, making it more resilient. We invite AICs & e-Cells to collaborate with us like NIDB and usher in the next wave of entrepreneurship."

Reinforcing these views, Mr Amit Jain, CEO – National Business Design Incubator (NDBI), said, "Partnering with institutions is a pioneering step and we are very happy to sign the MoU with LegalWiz.in. They are one of the leading firms in providing regulatory & compliance support to businesses. This support becomes even more critical for the startups who have recently started their entrepreneurial journey. We are sure our startups will benefit a lot from this partnership."

About Legalwiz.in:

Legalwiz.in is a StartUp based at Ahmedabad. Founded by a longtime LegalTech industry veteran Shrijay Sheth. The firm provides professional services as a "simple – affordable – transparent" business model, making it easy to start and manage the businesses in India.


About NDBI:

NDBI is Business Incubator of National Institute of Design (NID) and is supported by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. NDBI nurtures the culture of entrepreneurship in the creative minds of young entrepreneurs, so that their ideas metamorphose into newer and niftier products or services capable of being utilized commercially.

A Highly Toxic Herbicide 'Paraquat' and Related Lawsuit: Everything You Need To Know

Paraquat use in corn fields in Ocotal, Nicaragua. (Photo: Alba Sud Fotografia)

Paraquat Lawsuit is being filed by people who were exposed to the paraquat herbicide and suffered from severe complications, including Parkinson's disease. Paraquat is a widely used herbicide for grass and weed control.

As per the studies, paraquat contains certain chemicals, exposure to which may be linked to health disorders affecting humans like Parkinson's disease—a common neurological ailment. People who were adversely affected by paraquat or families of those who died thereafter can pursue a claim for compensation under the paraquat lawsuit.

However, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not you are eligible for pursuing a claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the herbicide. Here's a brief guide to help you learn all the crucial aspects surrounding the paraquat lawsuit and other litigation. This will assist you in getting a better understanding of your options.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic defoliant used for selective removal and control of weeds in the croplands or lawns. Studies register paraquat as one of the most widely used herbicides in the world.

Paraquat was first produced for commercial purposes in 1961 and is available only to commercially licensed users. It is primarily available as a blue-dyed liquid in various strengths.
Exposure to the Paraquat

There are various ways through which one can be exposed to the paraquat, suggests the Central of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), including:

• Paraquat can easily get mixed with food, water, or other beverages. Hence, if any safeguarding additive, such as dye, odor, or vomiting agent is not used, people do not recognize that the substrate is contaminated. And perhaps end up consuming it.
• Through ingestion or swallowing the chemical.
• If inhaled, paraquat can cause poisoning, which leads to lung damage.
• Paraquat poisoning can also occur through skin exposure for a prolonged period. This involves a concentrated version of paraquat or occurs through the skin with injuries like cuts, sores, or severe rashes.

Herein, the licensed commercial agents are most likely at the risk of exposure to this deadly chemical. Since 2000, around 24 death cases have been linked with accidental ingestion and exposure to paraquat. Concerning this call for action, the Environmental Protection Agency decided to take certain preventive measures against the poisoning caused by ingestion and exposure to various herbicides.

Risks associated with the use of Paraquat

If a person ingests a considerably large amount of paraquat, he/she is likely to experience severe pain and swelling of the mouth and throat. Following this, other symptoms may include gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. And this can often lead to low blood pressure, dehydration, and electrolyte aberrations.

Likewise, ingesting a small to medium amount of paraquat may result in the development of adverse health issues in the run of several days to several weeks. Herein the effects can lead to kidney failure, lung scarring, and heart failure.

However, the signs and symptoms may not necessarily be associated with exposure to the paraquat chemical. 

The link between Paraquat and Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder wherein the brain cells gradually start degenerating and die. The early symptoms of the disease include stiffness, tremors, impaired balance, and coordination slowness, extreme feebleness in the movements. With the progression of the disorder, the effects can worsen with swallowing and speaking difficulties. Meanwhile, one may even develop non-motor symptoms.

Studies have proposed a possible link between exposure to herbicides and pesticides to the increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggest that the neurological effects of paraquat (and the other herbicides) might contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. 

Paraquat Lawsuit claims

In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers of the paraquat. It was formulated on behalf of the agricultural workers who were exposed to the herbicide and developed Parkinson's disease.

The plaintiffs asserted the fact that they were unaware of the serious health hazards associated with the use of paraquat—produced by Syngenta and Growmark.

Was there any approach for the settlement?

There seems to be no scope for the paraquat lawsuit settlement in the meantime or in the near future. However, some product liability cases can settle early, heeding the claims process.

The paraquat lawsuit attorney claims that the results are never guaranteed, in any case before the jurisdiction. And there's no way past results can determine or predict future outcomes.

Why reach out to a Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney?

The manufacturers of any herbicides or other chemicals are responsible for providing safe, non-defective products that are not unreasonably harmful. If there are any risks associated with the use of a product, the manufacturer must propose adequate warnings to its buyers.

In case a manufacturer fails to perform this duty, it could be held liable for the injuries and other damages caused by the herbicide.

Herein, an experience paraquat lawsuit attorney can help you cover reimbursement for:

• For your medical bills
• Lost regular wages
• For the pain and suffering

Besides, the families of the dead may be eligible for compensation for the funeral expenses and the hardships after the loss of a loved one.

How to find a competent Paraquat Lawsuit lawyer?

Now, if you have decided to hire a lawyer for the paraquat lawsuit, it comes to finding an experienced lawyer for your case proceedings.

Finding the right lawyer is no daunting task if you know what questions to ask. Following this, here are some tips to help you with your search:

• Locate around your network: Ask around your family, friends, or colleagues for an attorney that they'd recommend for your case. You can also ask any lawyer of your acquaintance for someone who can aid you with some legal help in your field of concern. This can assist you in narrowing down to a reputed lawyer for your case — and the best thing is that you’d have someone to vouch for their experience. While at it, also dive into the customer reviews and testimonials of the lawyer in order to comment on their reliability.
  
  
• Browse through all the accessible options: Do some attorney research at the databases providing you information about the practice areas, location, and disciplinary records of various lawyers. Meanwhile, you can also refer to your state's attorney directory—a list of all the lawyers in your area.
  
  
• Questions to ask before hiring a lawyer:

1. What experience does the lawyer hold concerning your types of legal issues?
2. How long have they been in practice?
3. Do they have any special certifications?
4. What is their fee structure? Will there be any additional costs included with the lawyer fees?
5. Are they willing to provide references from other clients?

While at it, note that you only get a limited time period to file a lawsuit for an injury or pursue a claim. Therefore, it is well-advised to not delay any course of action. Make sure you pay heed to the situation in hand and promptly get along with a reliable paraquat lawyer to seek professional assistance. This will ensure that your rights are safeguarded, and you can proceed with the claim without any hassle.

So, this was everything — in a nutshell — you must know about a paraquat lawsuit. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Announces Successful Conclusion of Cohort-I of Prarambh, India’s 1st LegalTech Incubator

LegalTech startups JRTC Intern, Leegality, and LegalMind products, developed under mentorship of CAM Partners and International experts’ mentor, find excellent industry response

On April 30th, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas announced the successful conclusion of Cohort I of Prarambh, India’s first LegalTech incubator. Started in October 2019, and housed in the Firm’s Delhi office, Prarambh had mentored 3 LegalTech startups namely JRTC Intern, Leegality, and LegalMind for developing meaningful LegalTech solutions that have already started finding widespread acceptance amongst legal professionals.

Talking about first term’s success, Mr. Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas said, “In keeping with our spirit of being Ahead of the Curve, we set up Prarambh in line with our passion for innovation, as also to help equip the Indian legal professionals with technology solutions that meet India’s unique requirements. The keen interest in LegalTech solutions developed at Prarambh is really heartening and speaks volumes about the potential impact Prarambh is set to make on the Indian legal sector. I really wish to congratulate all our Partners and teams involved in Cohort I, who worked very hard to enable the startups and mentored them to realize their full potential."

Mr. Cyril Shroff further added, “COVID has disrupted the normal functioning of both law firms and our clients. The demand and uptake of technology has accelerated. These are redefining the dynamics between all these stakeholders, and necessitating the need for across the board implementation of technology. We feel the outstanding success of Prarambh’s Cohort I will set the benchmark on development of India centric LegalTech solutions. I wish all our incubatee companies all the best."

Prarambh selected three technology startups for its first cohort from a pool of 51 applicants, after a rigorous assessment of the applications against 12 defined parameters. The cohort was then mentored by CAM Partners, leading international experts and the Innovation Team, who guided the startups to develop pioneering and innovating solutions that are especially developed to comply with Indian laws, and focuses on deploying latest technology including Artificial Intelligence etc. in a way that aligned with the unique needs of the legal industry.

These startups worked on a diverse range of products including internship management, workflow for eStamping and eSignature, and AI based legal research and data analytics. CAM Associates were also involved regularly in guiding and giving feedback to the cohort. Simultaneously, the cohort also enhanced its business skills with sessions from industry experts on marketing and branding, legal and regulatory compliance, customer feedback and satisfaction, financial planning and preparing for investments.

Mr. Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said, “It is very timely that we started the Prarambh program. The legal tech sector in India was still at a fledgling stage, but now given the impact of the Corona Virus, I foresee that all our clients and in-house teams will need more LegalTech solutions. The normal lawyer-client relationship will be disaggregated and digitized and our Prarambh program will help such legal tech solutions emerge. Looking back to when we started, I can say that it has been a humbling and proud moment for us because of the success Prarambh’s first term has been fantastic."

Talking about Prarambh, Ms. Komal Gupta, Head - Innovation, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas said, “We embarked on a journey of Innovation with 3 unique startups, 7 months ago. Each startup had a different path to take but the goal was the same – Success and Growth. The happiest and most satisfying memories of our work with our incubatee companies were the collaborative atmosphere and sitting alongside them and helping them from one stage to the next. The knowledge sharing and collaboration through the Prarambh Program was the highlight of this journey. The startups interacted with stellar speakers and mentors, each of them a specialist in their field. During the journey, we also were faced with a number of challenges, but we traversed the challenges, found a workaround, learnt from various situations, took corrective actions and made the next day better. We are sure that these startups are set to achieve the extraordinary and will lead the LegalTech space in India. We wish them all the best."

About Prarambh’s Cohort

JRTC Intern: A talent management platform that connects pre-qualified law students with internship opportunities at law firms, advocate offices and corporates (jrtcintern.com)

Leegality: An eSigning and digital document workflow platform that enables enterprises to digitize and automate document signing and provides e-stamp papers. (leegality.com)

LegalMind: An AI based legal research platform. The platform enables users to perform efficient research supported by analytics and insights. (www.legalmind.tech)

About Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas takes forward the values going back 103 years, of the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., whose pre-eminence, experience and reputation of almost a century has been unparalleled in the Indian legal fraternity. Tracing its professional lineage to 1917, the Firm of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is now the largest full-service law firm in India, with over 750 lawyers including over 130 partners, and offices in India’s key business centres at Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. The Firm advises a large, and varied client base that includes domestic and foreign commercial enterprises, financial institutions, private equity funds, venture capital funds, startups and governmental and regulatory bodies.

The firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, was awarded recently awarded with “Law Firm of the Year” & “India Deal Firm of the Year” at ALB India Law Awards 2020, “India – Firm of the Year” at the AsiaLaw Regional Awards 2019 and “India Deal Firm of the Year” at the In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards 2019. The firm was also named as the “Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year – India for 2018” at the IFLR Asia Awards, having also been successful in winning the prestigious & coveted “National Law Firm of the Year, 2018 for India” at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards. The firm was also voted as the “Employer of Choice for 2020” from India, by the Asian Legal Business, building upon the several awards that the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. had won in the past.

FICCI and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Release FICCI Frames Report on 'Entertainment Law Book 2020

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the oldest & largest apex business organization in India and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, India's largest & leading law firm are delighted to release its joint report 'Entertainment Law Book 2020'.

This report presents regulatory developments in the field of TV broadcasting and distribution, music, radio, filmed entertainment and other segments in the Media & Entertainment space. It also includes several thought provoking articles on diverse topics, dealing with the issues in the Media & Entertainment sector. The report was originally scheduled to launch at the FICCI Frames 2020, however due the given COVID-19 situation the conference was called off this year. A copy of the report is attached here.

On release of the report, Mr. Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas said, "It is an honour and a privilege to present this report on the legal and regulatory issues impacting the Media and Entertainment sector. This report gives a bird's eye view of all important and relevant developments in the past year, encompassing the entire gamut of the Media & Entertainment sector. I would like to thank FICCI and members of its Media & Entertainment Committee for choosing us as a knowledge partner for the second consecutive year and all those who have contributed their time and valuable insights in making this report a possibility."

Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Secretary-General, FICCI said, "The Report touches upon some vital aspects that are playing an influential role in charting the way for the future of the Media & Entertainment industry. The issues lay strong foundations of the possible framework and solutions to developing the laws that will in time, govern the Media & Entertainment industry, in our country. On behalf of FICCI, I express our appreciation to Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and the members of the FICCI Media & Entertainment Committee for presenting the 2020 edition of this Report."

Mr. Bharat Vasani, Partner (Head - Media & Entertainment) said, "I am very delighted at the release of FICCI Frames Entertainment Law Report 2020. It was great experience to meet the key players in this industry and get their practical insight into the future of different verticals of this industry and the impact of digital revolution."

About Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas takes forward the values going back 103 years, of the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., whose pre-eminence, experience and reputation of almost a century has been unparalleled in the Indian legal fraternity. Tracing its professional lineage to 1917, the Firm of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is now the largest full-service law firm in India, with over 750 lawyers including over 130 partners, and offices in India's key business centres at Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. The Firm advises a large, and varied client base that includes domestic and foreign commercial enterprises, financial institutions, private equity funds, venture capital funds, start-ups and governmental and regulatory bodies.

The firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, was awarded recently awarded with "Law Firm of the Year" & "India Deal Firm of the Year" at ALB India Law Awards 2020, "India - Firm of the Year" at the AsiaLaw Regional Awards 2019 and "India Deal Firm of the Year" at the In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards 2019. The firm was also named as the "Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year - India for 2018" at the IFLR Asia Awards, having also been successful in winning the prestigious & coveted "National Law Firm of the Year, 2018 for India" at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards. The firm was also voted as the "Employer of Choice for 2020" from India, by the Asian Legal Business, building upon the several awards that the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. had won in the past.

Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies. A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry. From influencing policy to encouraging debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies.

 

~ Newsvoir

Lawyered partners with LAWyers Club India to create One-Stop-Shop Ecosystem for the Legal Community

United by common mission and vision, Lawyered - India’s first Legal-Tech Discovery Platform and LAWyersclubindia (LCI) - India’s largest Legal Community Platform have come together with a new alliance to better serve the community including legal professionals as well as legal advice seekers. This recently announced partnership presents an indisputable Power-of-Two platform and is going to transform how legal services are sought and delivered.

Seeing the overall effect of the Digital Revolution and the Internet Age, the Legal Industry is gradually adapting to technological calling. The Legal-Tech is changing the traditionally conservative field of law from merely being a buzzword to becoming the future of law. Law firms, too, are quickly realizing the value of Legal-Tech and are trying to adapt. Some have even started generating significant revenue by using various apps and tools standardizing, automating, and ‘productizing’ what were once labour-intensive tasks.



One of the key areas which Legal-Tech is transforming is how we find lawyers. With the population of internet users crossing the 4 Billion mark in 2018, showing a 7% growth year-on-year, consumer demand through the internet is driving big changes in the way we find lawyers.

In the past, businesses and individuals found lawyers through personal connections or word-of-mouth. Personal referrals can be as inefficient in law as in any other industry, as your network might not know the right type of lawyer for you. This is where the online platforms, like Lawyered - which help in lawyers discoverability and LAWyersclubindia - providing a knowledge-sharing community platform for individuals seeking legal advice and legal professionals, are adding value. In addition to enhancing the ease of availing suitable services of a lawyer, the Lawyered platform also ensures greater transparency in terms of price and quality. They are equally as beneficial to lawyers as they are for consumers, as now independent lawyers have a greater chance and platform to build brands as big as the largest law firms.

With a Mission "to help people feel legally empowered" and Vision "to create a world in which every citizen has a legal advisor" Lawyered finds a strong synergy with LCI helping in advancing the "rule-of-law" in the country.

Himanshu Gupta, co-founder & CEO Lawyered said, “The greatest beneficiaries of this alliance are the consumers, as they can now afford greater visibility and access to a wide range of legal services and providers.”

Praveen Sharma, CBO LAWyersclubindia said, “It is very clear that the legal industry in India is looking for new and innovative solutions to connect with and serve the clients. With this alliance we are adding technology with the power of community to create a strong bridge for the engagement between legal service providers and legal advice seekers - we are very excited about this partnership”

4 Ways that Entrepreneurs can use Legal Advice

As an entrepreneur you will find yourself needing legal advice from time as the world of business can be legally murky at times. The fact that businesses are regulated by law means that at one point you will need legal advice in case you are looking to venture into a new market or if you are looking for new acquisition. Getting the right legal advice can save entrepreneurs a lot of money and headaches as legal penalties can be quite high. An important note is that there are many legal experts out there but you need legal advice from a firm or professionals who have done it for years and have a lot of experience like Legalzoom.

1. Financial laws

Many entrepreneurs do not understand all the aspect of financial laws which exist and this is why they will need legal advice to break it down for them. The aspects of financial law which they can be advised about include issue on business insurance, the financial regulations which have been put by the government. This will also tie into the issue of financial transactions that a business is carrying out and if as a business you are at any risk of doing the wrong thing.

2. On employment and labour laws

This is another murky area when it comes to business; this is because if an entrepreneur does not follow the right employment they can find themselves embroiled in a fierce legal war. Here the advice you will need is how to hire people the right way and also the way to hire people the right way.  Many entrepreneurs who do not get the right advice on employment and labour laws most of the time find themselves in trouble with unions and government agency dealing with labour thus making it hard for them to do business.

3. On Marketing and  advertising

The government has put laws which ensure that a company is carrying out the right practices when it comes to marketing. There are the legal and ethical laws and guidelines which as an entrepreneur you may not be aware of and this is why you may need to have legal advice to avoid falling into this loophole. In advertising there more guidelines as to what is the acceptable way to advertise for your product and service without breaking the law and getting into trouble.

4. On legal business agreements

The other areas which you will need legal advice is on a legal business agreement such as contract, partnership and other sale agreement. You will also need advice on the legal documents which you need like licenses and permits. There are many details that you need to be aware of especially in the setting of a contract which is legally binding. As an entrepreneur, you will be getting into many contracts and agreement which some of them are legally binding and enforced by law. Here you will need advice on how to navigate this and make sure you do not make mistakes that can prove very costly.

5 Tips to Obtaining Helpful Legal Advice for Your Business

Businesses need advice on a variety of issues including the laws governing intellectual property and the formation of subsidiaries. Unfortunately, finding helpful legal advice is difficult because identifying a suitable lawyer is a daunting task for many people. For example, where will you start your search for an attorney? Can you find lawyers who excel at their job, but still charge a reasonable price for their services? Well, here are 5 tips to obtaining helpful legal advice for your business.

1. Seek the Services of an Experienced Law Firm

Law firms screen applicants before they employ them. This screening process helps them hire the best lawyers from a pool of candidates. Doing so ensures that their clients receive the best legal advice from their staff. It is worth noting that law firms have an experienced team of established attorneys. That means they can consult each other on your case until they come up with the best possible advice for you. They also have the necessary resources and workforce to research your case extensively. This research results in helpful legal counsel that will help you make the right decision.

2. Speak to a Specialized Lawyer

Law is a diverse field because it covers many aspects of human interaction. Most lawyers have a general understanding of it based on their undergraduate studies. However, some of them have advanced further to cover specific areas of law. Seek the advice of these attorneys. They can be bankruptcy lawyers, corporate lawyers, or real estate lawyers among others. You can select one of them based on the specific issue that you are facing. Remember, specialized lawyers will give detailed and helpful advice based on the years they have spent tackling a particular aspect of the law.

3. Go For a Firm That Has Prominent Clients

Celebrities, politicians, and business people protect themselves by hiring the best attorneys. Most of these attorneys understand everything there is to know about the law. That includes loopholes that they can exploit for their clients’ benefit. These firms will offer you helpful advice because they hire the best legal team. Additionally, prominent clients pay well, so these firms earn enough money to hire and pay the top lawyers in the country. Their desire to maintain their reputation as a go-to firm means they will work extra hard on your issue.

4. Speaking Openly and Honestly

Lawyers will help you based on the information that you share with them. That means you have to talk openly and honestly with your attorney regardless of how bitter the truth is. Remember, the attorney-client privilege law applies across the United States. That means worrying about lawyers telling other people what you said is unnecessary. You can speak with an attorney today throughLegal Zoom. Explain your situation and then state the outcome that you desire. The lawyer will give helpful legal advice for your business.

5. Consulting Lawyers As Soon As Possible

Many businesspeople fail when it comes to taking care of a pressing legal issue. They often wait until things become so bad that contacting a lawyer is unavoidable. At this point, lawyers can offer advice that helps you mitigate the consequences of an ongoing problem. However, consulting the same lawyers as soon as the issue unfolds provides them with enough room for legal maneuvering. For example, they can institute legal proceedings such as include arbitration courts, settlement negotiations, or court cases.