Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

Moving from leading the legal department at large multinational corporations to a start-up was quite a large change, as I came to the realisation that start-ups tend to work more on an ad-hoc basis. Within my first three months of joining ColorTokens, I streamlined all of the legal processes and documentation. I also ensured to meticulously study the compliance requirements of the business as well as its needs and cost impact.  

From a policy framework, we investigated areas for risk mitigation as well as compliance from global regulatory perspectives. We created training programs and audits as well as impact assessments to increase company knowledge in these areas.  

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?  

My team regularly supports direct customer deals as well as partner engagements. 

Recently, after a lot of negotiation, we concluded a reseller and MSSP agreement with one of the large IT/ITES MNCs in the UK with their UK entity and will be replicating the same for their Netherlands and Denmark entities too. 

We also concluded master license agreements with global reputed companies in the US after long negotiations on key legal issues offering our SaaS based cybersecurity solutions which is subsequently governed by the end user license agreement. 

Further, we concluded global reseller and distributor agreements with large channel partners (large IT MNCs) to promote our business in Europe, South Africa, and United States. 

As part of the legal team’s responsibility, we also advised on the employment related matters, including sending out (or responding to) notices on contractual matters. 

We also organised and streamlined our IP portfolio management by allocating necessary resources, cost cutting efforts and efficient working by laying down process on new patent registrations (from idea from the potential inventor, filling up invention disclosure form, resolving queries and coordination with concerned internal teams and external attorneys), as well as our current organised efforts in getting trademarks registered successfully at the USPTO by providing necessary supporting information, documentation and documentary evidence or specimen. 

Currently, my team is working on devising and updating data protection and privacy policy at a global level, since we are doing business across the regions and especially in view of the current regulations or new legislations. 

If you had to give advice to an aspiring in-house lawyer or general counsel, what would it be and why?  

As a business enabler, an aspiring in-house lawyer or general counsel shall be pragmatic in their approach while dealing with the legal risks (mitigating risks) and the business needs. Today’s new generation lawyers need to be more focused on acquiring sound knowledge of the industry they serve, more focused on the details, and produce innovative ideas for quick and practical solutions given the business urgencies. Learn to keep up with the latest changes, be interactive and be smart in using available technological tools for efficient and effective in managing both people as well as their tasks.