Practice Areas
Arbitration
The firm has expertise and has handled commercial arbitration matters on behalf of its clients. Our services in this area of practice include drafting of arbitration clauses, preparation of arbitration references, conduct of arbitration proceedings with or without intervention of courts in Pakistan and abroad, making foreign and local arbitration awards as rule of court, preparing objections and enforcement of foreign and local arbitration awards. The firm’s lawyers possess the unique skills needed to handle international and local arbitration and litigation matters.
Corporate & business law
The firm advises clients regarding national and international business transactions. Our lawyers counsel clients on issues including choice of corporate vehicle, structuring of constitutive documents, shareholding structures and their sale and purchase of assets government consents, income and sales tax structure, repatriation regime and customs. We regularly advise foreign clients in establishing branches or local companies and act as their agents to represent them before various governmental departments. We advise and assist clients regarding issues that may arise during running and operating a commercial enterprise, be it a small television cable operator or an international airline.
Cyber Law & E-Commerce
Technology affects business practices and, for this reason, can affect business law. Cyberspace, the internet, and the World Wide Web represent the latest in technology that are affecting commercial practices all over the world. The firm advise clients regarding e-contracts, cyberspace agreements, electronic transactions, jurisdictional issues, contents of web sites, trademark, data protection and copyright and other intellectual property issues in the Cyberspace. Members of the firm have served on Government panels & Committees constituted to make the country’s laws e-commerce friendly in digital information age.
Aviation
Advice on structuring and negotiating airline operation licenses and related contracts, aircraft lease contracts, contracts for appointment of general sales agents, both passenger and cargo, aircraft accident matters, claims for compensation and damages, court litigations between airlines and their agents.
Competition Law
The firm has been at the forefront of the emergence of competition law and anti-trust compliance, filings and litigation in Pakistan. The firm has been advising clients to avoid acts and agreements or practices which are prohibited under the competition law and has also been imparting training to the clients. The firm advises on issues such as cartels, pre-mergers filing, mergers, deceptive marketing practice complaints etc. The firm has an excellent track record in obtaining favourable orders for our clients in this regard. We are renowned for our innovative thinking, in-depth knowledge and expertise in this field.
Real Estate
The firm routinely advise clients regarding sale and purchase of commercial and residential property and assists in negotiating, drafting, executing and registration of all documents required under the law. Our lawyers also verify title documents and claims to immovable property in order to protect clients from entering into fraudulent sale agreements. The firm is also advising clients on constituting and operating housing societies keeping in view the model national and international regulatory regime existing for such ventures.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures
We advise clients in acquisitions or divestitures, mergers and in joint ventures assisting them in selecting the best business structure to meet their particular interests taking into consideration pricing, tax, regulatory and liability issues. We also assist our clients in reorganizing and restructuring individual and joint undertakings and in compiling the necessary documentation. We also provide advice on sophisticated cross-border transactions, due diligence investigations and assessment of pending litigation, regulatory approvals, tax structuring and developing and negotiating purchase agreements. Upon request our lawyers assist interested clients in identifying businesses, including commercial banks, mutual funds, leasing companies, that are for sale and then advise them through the complete sale transaction.
Energy (Oil, Gas & Electricity)
The firm is offering all aspects of legal advice to companies in the oil, gas and power sector. The firm is offering services to local as well as foreign clients on a whole range of issues from privatization to legal aspects in corporate finance deals. The firm also has an impressive client list engaged in the business of marketing of petroleum and other products. The firm advises these clients on a variety of issues including obtaining licenses for marketing, storage and sale of petroleum products, contracts for setting up petrol stations and concessions for prospecting of oil and gas.
International Trade & Cross Border Operations
The firm provides advice to local as well as foreign clients with respect to all types of international business and cross-border operations, including international sales and internet contracts, agency, licensing, distribution and franchising agreements of products and services, evaluation of local trade and commercial regimes for specific transactions between local and foreign clients and advice on tax related issues in international transactions.
Banking & Finance
The firm conducts legal audits for banks objective whereof is to ensure that all loans given by the bank are properly secured in terms of the sanction advice or offer letters. Loan documentation for commercial banks, investments banks and non banking financial institutions such as syndicated finance agreements, documentation for financial derivatives, documentation for term finance certificates, documentation for housing finance, documentation relating to morabaha, musharika and other Islamic finance products, lease agreements, hire purchase agreements and consumer finance agreements. The Firm is representing financial institutions in the Banking and High Courts of the country. Predominantly banking litigation comprises of filing recovery suits on behalf of banks and obtaining decrees in the shortest possible period. Execution of decrees is a process that tends to be gummy and slow if not pursued diligently by dealing counsel. Our team’s endeavor is to recover debt for our clients in short order, and our track record in this regard speaks for itself.
Environmental & Regulatory Law
The spectrum of our environmental law practice is continuously expanding. We provide legal counsel regarding environmental standards, compliance with existing regulatory regime and representations before the Environmental Tribunal.
Mining Laws
The firm has advised and assisted different clients in review relevant mining concession and licensing regimes existing in the country including Regulation of Mines and Oilfields and Mineral Development (Government Control) Act 1948, Mines Act 1923, Land Acquisition (Mines) Act 1885, Pakistan Mining Concession Rules 1960 and other provincial legislations. The firm has advised these clients on a variety of issues including obtaining licenses for mining; Concession Agreements and Joint Operating and Implementation Agreements, etc.
Patent & Design Law
Today’s fast-paced, high-tech environment demands that business owners pay special attention to obtaining and protecting rights to their patents and technology. Our services in this area include: patent and designs filing and prosecuting, patent infringement litigation and counseling, opinions on patent validity, infringement, enforceability and right-to-practice, Patent Office interferences, examinations and oppositions, disputes involving diverse areas of technology including electronics, telecom, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical technologies.
Telecommunication
The firm offers advice to many companies in the telecommunication sector. The firm’s client base in this sector ranges from companies involved in providing payphone services to companies having WWL network. The firm has also been involved in documentation of financial instruments for raising capital for telecommunication sector through equity and debt based instrument.
Privatization
The firm offers advice to local as well as foreign clients intending to participate in the privatization of state owned oil, gas and telecommunication companies in Pakistan. The firm also counsels clients in conducting due diligence, getting governmental consents, arranging repatriation of funds, reviewing bidding documents ensuring compliance with local law regime affecting them and representing such clients before the privatization commission.
Tax Law
Tax implications are an important aspect in structuring commercial transactions. The firm advise clients on tax issues relating to commercial transactions like joint ventures, share purchase agreements, and purchase of businesses as running concerns. Our lawyers advise foreign clients regarding tax implications connected with their investments in the local market.
Trademark & Copyright
Brand identification can be one of the most important factors in a company’s growth and market visibility. Through the following services, we help our clients from brand selection to adoption and to secure, protect and maintain their rights in their trademarks, company names, logos, slogans, packaging and other intellectual property, determinations and opinions of trademark availability, filing and prosecution of trademark and copyright applications, prosecute and defend trademark and copyright infringement actions, anti-counterfeiting actions before Customs, Police and all the courts, monitor and maintain an extensive portfolio of client’s trademarks using fully integrated computer software, conduct company-wide intellectual property audits, market surveys and due diligence investigations, negotiate and draft license agreements and assignment; administer international trademark programs, and advise clients on domain name registrations and infringement and other Internet-related issues.
Litigation & Enforcement
The firm maintains an active litigation practice and takes pride in being one of the few firms who have the resources and personnel to conduct litigation across the length & breadth of the country. We work with clients who, when faced with potential or actual litigation, rely on us to forge litigation strategies that are cost effective and speedy. Our services in this area have proven invaluable for the many companies, banks, authorities and individuals whom we have served diligently and with integrity over the years. The services offered by the firm include quantifying and evaluating the risks, costs and benefits of commencing or vigorously defending litigation, exploring alternatives to litigation, when appropriate, representing clients at all level of judicial hierarchy (Civil, Banking, High, Company and Supreme Courts) before administrative tribunals, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings, representing clients in actions and proceedings spanning diverse subject matters, including: breach of contracts, recovery matters, construction contracts, real estate disputes, patent, trademark, copyright infringement, filing constitutional petitions against unlawful administrative actions, unwarranted taxation and orders of tribunals suffering from jurisdictional or other legal defects and clearly and concisely communicating with clients regarding the status of their litigation.
Election Laws
The firm has a dedicated team of lawyers who have vast experience in dealing with matters relating to Election laws, procedures involved and substantive issues cropping up regularly in the election process. We represent our clients throughout all the stages, i.e. filing of nomination papers, contesting objection petitions, appearing before the Election Commission of Pakistan, filing writ petitions in case of violations of law and representing clients before the Election Tribunals leading up to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Intellectual Property
Irfan & Irfan is one of the leading Intellectual Property law firms in Pakistan. We deliver comprehensive legal services dedicated to protecting, enforcing, and commercializing our clients’ intellectual assets and proprietary rights. Our practice encompasses trademark prosecution and portfolio management, copyright registration and enforcement, industrial design protection, trade secret safeguarding, and the drafting and negotiation of technology and brand licensing agreements.
We regularly represent clients in infringement actions, adversarial proceedings, always in vigorous pursuit of judicial remedies. Our attorneys also provide strategic counsel on anti-counterfeiting measures and integrated IP portfolio management. We are committed to securing and optimizing our clients’ innovations and creative works in the competitive marketplace.
Drug law
Our firm provides comprehensive advisory and litigation services in matters pertaining to pharmaceutical regulation and drug law. We assist clients in obtaining drug manufacturing and marketing approvals, licensing, compliance with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) rules, as well as import and export requirements. We advise pharmaceutical companies on issues relating to quality standards, labeling, counterfeit drugs, intellectual property overlap, and regulatory inspections. We also represent clients before relevant government authorities and judicial fora in disputes concerning licensing, enforcement actions, penalties and government sector procurement matters regarding drugs, medical equipment and surgical devices etc.
Custom law
We regularly advise clients on customs regulations, import/export control, and compliance with the Customs Act and related statutory frameworks. Our services include assistance in the process of classification of goods, tariff structuring, exemptions and concessions, bonded warehouse arrangements, and valuation disputes. We also assist with regulatory approvals, clearance processes, and disputes before Customs Authorities, Tribunals, and Superior Courts. Our firm provides strategic counsel for businesses engaged in international trade, ensuring compliance with trade regulations while minimizing exposure to duty, tax, and penalties.
Dispute resolution
Our firm has vast experience in dispute resolution, offering clients effective strategies through litigation, arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. We represent clients in complex commercial disputes, contractual disagreements, shareholder conflicts, and regulatory matters before courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums. We emphasize cost-effective and timely solutions, ensuring that clients’ commercial objectives are met while safeguarding their legal rights. Our team also provides pre-litigation advice, risk assessment, and negotiation support to avoid protracted disputes whenever possible.
Not for Profit
At Irfan & Irfan, we believe in the power of law to catalyze social change. Our attorneys provide dedicated legal counsel to the not-for-profit sector, leveraging extensive experience to support organizations in achieving their transformative missions designed to elevate human suffering. We are proud to have partnered with foundational institutions such as the Qarshi Foundation, Qarshi school, Amin Maktab, and Sarwar Shahida Trust Hospital, as well as global advocates like WWF. With respect to pro bono services to notable national educational entities such as the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), we have rendered advice to the University aimed at improving legal studies at undergraduate level. Our firm empowers changemakers by ensuring their legal infrastructure is as robust as their vision, allowing them to focus squarely on creating lasting social impact.
Digital rights & crypto assets law
Irfan & Irfan provides forward-thinking legal counsel at the intersection of technology, digital content, and emerging financial assets. Our practice is dedicated to navigating the complex and evolving legal landscape governing the digital economy. We advise clients on the establishment, protection, and commercialization of digital rights, as well as on the regulatory compliance and transactional intricacies of digital assets.
Our services include structuring and drafting agreements for digital content creation, distribution, and licensing, including software, multimedia, and online publications. We assist in domain name disputes, data privacy compliance under emerging frameworks, and strategies for managing online intellectual property infringement. For blockchain and cryptocurrency ventures, we offer guidance on regulatory positioning, navigating the State Bank of Pakistan’s guidelines, and structuring offerings to mitigate legal risk. We also represent clients in disputes related to digital assets, smart contracts, and fraud, providing robust advocacy in this cutting-edge field.
Family business restructuring law
Our firm offers sensitive and strategic guidance for family-owned enterprises navigating ownership and structural transitions. We understand that family business restructuring involves unique legal, financial, and personal dynamics. Our approach is designed to ensuring business continuity, preserving family harmony, and achieving optimal tax and governance outcomes.
We provide comprehensive services including advising on and drafting shareholder agreements, family constitutions, and succession plans to formalize governance and dispute-resolution mechanisms. Our attorneys structure and implement ownership transfers through gifts, sales, or trusts, ensuring compliance with corporate, tax, and inheritance laws. We facilitate the division of business assets in a manner that protects the enterprise’s value and advise on the tax implications of various restructuring options. Furthermore, we mediate family disputes and, when necessary, provide vigorous representation in litigation to protect our clients’ interests and the legacy of the business. In addition to protecting corporate interests of our clients, we also render services for securing our clients’ lawful shares in matters relating to family inheritance including representing our clients in the ensuing disputes before courts.