In Conversation With Suhrita Majumdar, Partner, S. Majumdar & Co.

Please walk us through your journey in this field of law? When did you first realize that law was your life’s calling? 

SM: Upon obtaining my law degree, I went to the UK for my post-graduation. I was fortunate to have been able to intern with Unilever PLC at Port Sunlight, UK and then with a prestigious IP law firm, headquartered in London.  

In 2008, I joined S Majumdar & Co. founded by my father, Mr. Subhatosh Majumdar, an eminent IP professional, at the Head Office in Kolkata. End of 2011, I moved to New Delhi to manage operations of the newly setup branch office. Since then, I have been operating from the New Delhi Office with frequent trips to Kolkata and Mumbai.  

My father joined an IPR law firm in Kolkata while pursuing his undergrads in Chemistry and then completed his law course, back in the ‘80s. Almost certain, he was inspired by his uncle, Late Justice Mahitosh Majumdar, High Court of Calcutta to join the legal profession. Inevitably, growing up amongst lawyers, I presumed that this is the only profession one could opt for. I was about 9 when I decided to be lawyer, of course not realizing that it would be a lifelong learning.  

Who according to you has been your guide and mentor in this illustrious journey as a lawyer? 

SM: It’s just the beginning of the journey. Amma, my grandmother played a major role in my life and was the first guide who helped me stay focused.  

My father has been my hero and role model and I always look out for opportunities to work with him. I also made it a habit of picking up the best practices from my colleagues and Counsels in the IP fraternity. Of course, I must mention about Mr. Roger Grimshaw, then partner at the UK firm, had been my mentor during my UK days.     

What motivated you to take up IP, especially Trademark portfolio management as your core area of practice? 

SM:The already established practice set up by Mr. Majumdar, motivated me to take up IP. Upon joining the firm, I felt the need to expand the Trade marks practice. I am grateful to my father who has always encouraged me to work towards my vision.  

Additionally, I always thought I am a creative person. I took interest in art as a child and therefore, even today I am happy to involve myself from the stage of adoption of a brand, including styling of labels, etc.  Since this exposes me to the story behind the creation of a name/brand, the entire process still excites me. In fact, out of interest, I still spend time with artists/designers helping clients with the adoption of the brand, the presentation, etc. Of course, my team is involved from the search stage followed by filing to registration.  

What is your take on work-life balance, especially for women lawyers? 

SM:As any other person, I have been trying to balance it all. However, I feel that it’s a constant act of juggling. I continue to take tips from my mother who has also been a part of the profession, yet manages the household seamlessly.  

In my opinion, it is important to have robust support, both at work and home and that’s the key to such act of balancing. Finally, we must value everyone around us, including family, helps, friends and colleagues. Since they are all a part of it, it is important that we acknowledge them for every little way they help us, in the process of balancing.  

How has been your experience chairing the INTA FWKM MEASA Sub- Committee and as members of the INTA TOP-C Committee, INTA FWKM Committee and the ECTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee among others? 

SM:Having led the INTA FWKM MEASA Sub- Committee for the term 2016-17, which mostly included my seniors from the Indian IP fraternity and other countries, was an absolute learning experience. It was not only learning about the work we did together, but also about training the mind as to how to lead a team. I made new friends and eventually ended up exchanging work with some. So that was great too.  

I was then with the INTA TOPC India Sub-Committee for two consecutive terms. TOPC is always intense since it concerns the various issues /concerns which are being worked upon by members/stakeholders to assist the Indian Trade Marks Office streamline the process and make it a friendlier system. In fact, I was fortunate to have been a part of the INTA delegation which had the opportunity to meet the then Controller General (CG) of the IPO to discuss the various issues being faced by the stakeholders.  

Fortunately, the Indian IPO has always been receptive to suggestions which fall from INTA and therefore almost every homework/exercise undertaken by the INTA TOP-C team makes some difference. ECTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee is a busy committee. I get to learn a lot from my EU colleagues in the Committee.  

Since our firm works for domestic clients who take interest in the European countries, it has been beneficial even from the anti-counterfeiting perspective. Also, I am happy that my article relating to the counterfeiting situation in India during the pandemic along with the effective mechanism to tackle such counterfeits was well received.   

As a parting note, would you please recommend a favourite book / that left a lasting impression on you? What has been your most recent watch in terms of movies or series? 

SM:"You see, when you change your attitude, sparks fly in the universe. You’re energized. You begin to see new possibilities. You move into action. You achieve extraordinary results. That’s why I say when you change your attitude, you change your life!" … ‘Attitude is Everything’ by Jeff Keller left a lasting impression.  

Read it. Every chapter could make a difference. I have realised that it’s important to stay positive which can actually help you achieve a lot of things you feel are beyond reach (may take time). Therefore, I’m trying to change my attitude and wouldn’t hesitate to help others too. 

For movies/series, honestly, I run out of patience and therefore do not explore them much. However, I did manage to watch and enjoy Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile at the theatre with my kids. But music has always played a significant role in my life and therefore when I find time, I sing and listen to Tagore songs.