Prathiba M. Singh
About Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh is a Permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi, recognized for her significant contributions to intellectual property law and her role in drafting key legal frameworks in India.
Education and Expertise of Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh completed a 5-year law course from University Law College, Bangalore, graduating as the 1st Rank holder from Bangalore University. She further enhanced her qualifications by earning an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge under the ODASSS scholarship offered by the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust. Her education laid a solid foundation for her expertise, which spans various areas of intellectual property rights (IPR) including patents, trademarks, design laws, copyright, and internet laws.
Professional Background of Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh enrolled with the Bar in 1991 and quickly became a leading figure in intellectual property law in India. She served as the Managing Partner of Singh & Singh, where she advised clients and handled landmark cases in all areas of IPR laws. In addition to her primary focus on IPR, she managed cases related to commercial disputes, arbitration, telecom, broadcasting laws, media laws, writs, regulatory issues, and education. Her widespread recognition as an authority in her field is further corroborated by her regular appearances before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, High Court of Delhi, TDSAT, IPAB, and Trademark and Patent Offices.
Achievements of Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh has been extensively recognized for her contributions to intellectual property law. She was designated a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in December 2013. Her accolades include 'IP Litigator of the Year, 2012', 'IP Lawyer of the Year, 2013' by Legal Era, and 'Most Powerful Women in Business, 2018' by Business Today, among others. She instituted the Prathiba M. Singh Scholarship for LL.M. students at the University of Cambridge in 2013 and contributed significantly to the drafting of India's first 'National IPR Policy.' In 2021 and 2022, she was listed among the '50 Most Influential People in IP' by Managing IP.
Judicial Career of Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh was elevated to the bench as a Permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi on 15th May 2017. She played a pivotal role in the constitution of the 'Intellectual Property Division' in the Delhi High Court and drafted the 'Delhi High Court Intellectual Property Rights Division Rules, 2022.' She also chaired the Patent Committee that drafted the 'High Court of Delhi Rules Governing Patent Suits, 2022.' Her contribution to the development of IP law has established her as a key figure in the Indian judiciary.
Memberships and Committee Roles of Prathiba M. Singh
Prathiba M. Singh has been an influential member of several professional bodies, including the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), and international organizations like INTA, APAA, AIPPI, IPAA, IPLPA, and Telecom Lawyers Association. She was a member of the CII National Steering Committee on IPRs and served on high-level committees for streamlining patent examinations and the working of the Copyright Office. Notably, in 2022, she became the first Indian judge to be elected as an Honorary Fellow of Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, and she is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Research in Intellectual Property, MNLU, Mumbai.