Asim Abbas has launched new firm Spectra Law based in Delhi with a partner and four associates.
Abbas, who will be managing partner of Spectra Law, said the application of new technology was disruptive and ahead of the law, which would take time to evolve and catch up.
“The motivation factor is to create a law firm, which can cater to the legal requirements of emerging technologies,” he said.
His comments are based on the fact that India has 900 million broadband subscribers, and Abbas says this sector is on the “cusp of a digital revolution across various sectors like fintech, healthtech, online gaming, cloud-based services”.
He believes that this challenge coupled with emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, augmented reality and virtual reality, etc. – could not only throw up legal challenges but also opportunities especially for technology lawyers.
Abbas has 32 years of experience in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) and emerging technologies space. He previously worked as a civil servant in the department of telecommunications, as vice president (legal) in the corporate office of a leading telecoms operator and as a partner with leading law firms of India including Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India.
“The focus of Spectra Law is to be a thought leader and have domain knowledge, expertise and experience in these areas, and provide practical and innovative solutions to legal challenges,” said Abbas.
The other senior partner is Amar Patnaik, formerly a career bureaucrat and currently a member of India’s upper house, the Rajya Sabha. He has been a member of various parliamentary committees and other fora relating to data protection, information technology, fintech, as well as emerging technologies.
Spectra Law specialises in TMT, space, e-commerce, data protection, data centres, cybersecurity, gaming, navigational maps, connected cars, cloud-based services, fintech, insuretech, healthtech etc., and emerging technologies such as AI, over the top, IOT, AR, VR, blockchain, drones, and more.
Legal services will cover corporate commercial, policy, regulatory advice, drafting and negotiation of contracts, compliance and approvals, employment, transactional and litigation matters in these sectors.
Some key changes that Spectra Law would seek to bring to the table include “creating an institution which will have expertise and domain knowledge of not only the laws relating to emerging technologies but also understanding of its applications and market, working of technology, etc., to have a holistic and integrated approach”, said Abbas.
