Bhavpreet Singh Soni

Corporate Lawyer and Partner Sonisvision | IIM | LLM | Intellectual Property and Franchisee Model Consultant | Building Brands | Ex- VP- BNI | Ex -Educator Bada Business, lawSikho | Angel and Seed Investor

Understanding Startup Equity Allocation: Founder Guide to Funding & Dilution

Introduction Launching a startup is an exciting journey filled with innovation, ambition, and growth opportunities. Yet, turning ideas into reality often requires external funding. One of the most critical decisions founders face is equity allocation—how much ownership to offer investors. This choice affects founder control, investor relationships, and the long-term success of your venture. The […]

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Startup Valuation Explained: Methods, Mistakes & Investor Expectations

Introduction Valuing a startup is both an art and a science. For founders, it is one of the most consequential decisions in the fundraising journey, directly impacting ownership, control, and future flexibility. A valuation that is too high can stall funding or lead to painful down rounds, while one that is too low can result

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Why Indian Startups Face VC Rejections in 2025 | Funding Reality Explained

Introduction The Indian startup ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental shift. The post-2021 era of exuberant funding, characterised by aggressive expansion and “growth at all costs,” has given way to a far more disciplined investment environment. Venture capitalists are no longer driven by topline growth alone; instead, they are scrutinising profitability, capital efficiency, governance standards, and

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The Hidden Dangers of Founder Disputes in Startups | Legal Risks, Investor Impact & Prevention

Introduction The startup journey is often fuelled by ambition, innovation, and shared vision. However, beneath the surface of many promising ventures lies a silent risk—conflict among founders. While diverse perspectives can drive creativity, unresolved disagreements over control, equity, or strategy frequently become fatal to young companies. Empirical research, including studies from leading business schools, suggests

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Why Every Startup Needs an IP Lawyer in 2026 | IP Strategy, Valuation & Growth

Introduction The startup ecosystem in 2026 is defined by rapid innovation, aggressive competition, and heightened legal complexity. Ideas alone no longer command value—legally protected ideas do. Intellectual property now forms the backbone of most startup balance sheets, often outweighing physical assets or short-term revenue. In this environment, an IP lawyer is not merely a compliance

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Bootstrapped vs Funded Startups: Choosing the Right Growth Path for Founders

Introduction Launching a startup is an exciting yet demanding journey—and one of the earliest strategic decisions founders face is whether to bootstrap the business or raise external funding. This choice has long-term implications on ownership, growth speed, decision-making power, and personal risk. While bootstrapped startups emphasize control and sustainability, funded startups focus on rapid scaling

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A Complete Guide to Accepting Foreign Investment in Indian Startups | FEMA & RBI Compliance

Introduction Foreign investment has become a powerful catalyst for the growth and global expansion of Indian startups. With India emerging as one of the world’s most attractive startup ecosystems, overseas investors are actively seeking opportunities across technology, fintech, manufacturing, and innovation-driven sectors. However, receiving foreign capital is not merely a commercial decision—it is a regulated

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Delhi High Court Sets Aside Abandonment of Trademark Opposition, Upholds Substantive Justice Under Rule 45

Introduction In a landmark ruling emphasizing that procedural technicalities must not override substantive rights, the Delhi High Court has set aside an order of the Trade Marks Registry which treated a trademark opposition as “abandoned” due to a minor filing defect. The Court held that procedural lapses—particularly those committed bona fide and without causing prejudice—cannot

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Delhi High Court Grants Permanent Injunction in SAKARNI Trademark Infringement Case

Introduction In a significant judgment strengthening trademark and copyright enforcement in India, the Delhi High Court in Ashok Kumar Gupta v. Arif Khan (CS(COMM) 608/2023 & I.A. 16670/2023) granted a permanent injunction along with damages against the defendant for adopting a deceptively similar trademark and label. Decided on 28 February 2025 by Hon’ble Mr. Justice

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Trademark Infringement and Trade Dress Protection: ITC Limited v. Pelican Tobacco Co. Ltd.

Introduction In modern commerce, trademarks and trade dress are not mere identifiers—they are strategic business assets that embody reputation, goodwill, and consumer trust. Industries with high brand recall, such as tobacco and FMCG, frequently witness disputes where competitors attempt to capitalize on established brand equity through deceptively similar branding. The case of ITC Limited v.

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