Services

“Guiding asset managers through complex legal landscapes to optimize portfolios, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable growth.”

Our

Services Practice

The services industry in India has emerged as a key driver of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and export revenues. High-level growth factors include the rapid adoption of technology, digital transformation, and increased global connectivity, which have fueled the expansion of sectors such as IT, finance, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Government initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India” have further bolstered service sector growth by enhancing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting ease of doing business. Key indicators of the sector’s health include rising foreign direct investment (FDI), an expanding workforce in knowledge-intensive services, and an increase in demand for both domestic and international service exports, positioning India as a global services hub.

The services sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, offering diverse opportunities and challenges for businesses across various industries. At our firm, we provide comprehensive legal support to companies in the services sector, helping them navigate complex regulatory frameworks, manage risks, and seize growth opportunities. Whether you’re expanding locally or globally, we offer strategic legal guidance to ensure compliance, optimize operations, and address the unique needs of your business in an ever-evolving market. Our team is committed to delivering effective, tailored legal solutions that empower clients to thrive in a competitive environment.

Regulatory Compliance and Advisory

Advising on compliance with industry-specific regulations, including licensing, permits, and operational requirements for various service sectors such as IT, healthcare, hospitality, finance, and education.
Navigating the legal framework for service businesses under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act and other relevant taxation laws.
Ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws, including the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Shops and Establishment Act.
Regulatory compliance related to environmental laws, safety standards, and consumer protection laws for service providers.

Contracts and Agreements

Drafting and negotiating service agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and client contracts tailored to the needs of service-based businesses.
Reviewing and ensuring legal soundness in outsourcing and franchising agreements for service providers.
Structuring agreements with third-party service providers, including contractors, suppliers, and collaborators.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

Protecting intellectual property rights of service businesses, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
Advising on the creation and protection of branding, logos, and digital content for service providers.
Addressing IP infringements, counterfeiting, and enforcement of IP rights in the service sector.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Representing service providers in disputes related to contractual obligations, consumer complaints, service delivery issues, and claims of negligence.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, including mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, particularly for service contracts and client disputes.
Handling disputes in consumer forums, courts, and regulatory bodies, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Consumer Protection and Liability

Advising service providers on compliance with consumer protection laws and managing customer complaints, refunds, and warranties.
Defending service businesses against liability claims related to faulty services, consumer harm, or breaches of contract.
Legal support for product or service recalls, compensation claims, and damage control in the event of consumer dissatisfaction.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures

Legal advisory on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures within the service industry, including due diligence, structuring deals, and regulatory approvals.
Assisting service businesses in acquiring smaller firms, entering new markets, or forming strategic partnerships.
Drafting and negotiating share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and joint venture contracts.

Employment and Labor Law

Advising service businesses on compliance with employment laws, including hiring, termination, employee benefits, and workplace policies.
Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and workplace policies.
Legal advice on compliance with the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act, the Payment of Gratuity Act, and the Payment of Wages Act.

Competition Law and Antitrust

Legal advisory on compliance with the Competition Act, 2002, to avoid anti-competitive practices and abuse of dominant position in the service sector.
Navigating merger control regulations and obtaining approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
Advising on pricing strategies, exclusivity arrangements, and unfair trade practices in the service industry.

Taxation and GST Compliance

Advising service businesses on Goods and Services Tax (GST) implications, including classification of services, tax rates, input tax credit, and reverse charge mechanism.
Tax planning and structuring for service businesses, including compliance with direct taxes (income tax, transfer pricing) and indirect taxes.
Handling tax disputes, assessments, and representation before tax authorities and tribunals.

Data Protection and Privacy Laws

Advising service businesses on compliance with data privacy regulations, including the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.
Legal guidance on compliance with the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 (when enacted), and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for businesses handling personal data.
Drafting and reviewing privacy policies, data processing agreements, and terms of service for digital service providers.

Franchising and Licensing

Structuring and drafting franchise agreements and licensing arrangements for service providers looking to expand their business model.
Legal support for compliance with the Indian Franchise Regulations and the Franchising Industry Code of Conduct.
Reviewing territorial rights, fees, and performance expectations in franchising contracts.

Real Estate and Leasin

Advising on commercial leases, rental agreements, and property disputes for service businesses operating from leased or owned properties.
Handling legal issues related to zoning, land use, and environmental regulations for service providers in real estate and construction.
Drafting and negotiating property management and facility maintenance agreements.

Sustainability and Environmental Law

Legal advisory on environmental compliance for service businesses, including waste management, sustainability initiatives, and carbon footprint reduction.
Advising service industries on corporate social responsibility (CSR) regulations and compliance with environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements.
Ensuring adherence to environmental standards set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other regulatory bodies.

Banking and Financial Services

Legal support for service providers in the financial sector, including compliance with RBI regulations, SEBI guidelines, and other financial authorities.
Advising on consumer lending, investment products, insurance, and banking services provided by financial institutions.
Representing financial services firms in regulatory investigations, audits, and dispute resolution.

Technology, IT, and E-commerce

Advising service businesses on compliance with IT laws, digital contracts, and e-commerce regulations in the digital service sector.
Drafting technology licensing agreements, cloud services contracts, and software as a service (SaaS) agreements.
Legal support for the protection of digital platforms, including cybersecurity and protection from online fraud.

Insurance and Risk Management

Legal advisory on insurance policies, claims, and dispute resolution for service businesses to mitigate risk.
Reviewing and drafting insurance contracts for service firms to ensure adequate coverage against liabilities.
Providing guidance on risk management strategies and mitigating potential legal exposure in service operations.