IP Astra, a Bangalore-based boutique IP firm led by CR Jacob, has merged its practice with LexOrbis.

The merger is effective July 3. Jacob, who has over 15 years of experience spanning across research, academia and intellectual property fields, will be taking up the role of IP strategist with LexOrbis in Bangalore.

Jacob’s practice areas are patent drafting and prosecution with emphasis on sensors, semiconductors, analog, digital, mixed signal, biomedical, video codecs, mobile communications, and consumer appliances.

Prior to founding IP Astra, Jacob worked as Deputy General Manager, Operations at Biozeen. He was earlier associated with Evergreen Valley Law Group (EVLG), as patent engineer, senior patent engineer and contracting partner. Prior to EVLG, he worked with Unicita Consulting as technical patent analyst.

On the new move, Jacob said,

“We are excited to team up with LexOrbis and truly believe that this association will help us in offering our clients the full spectrum of IP services. Together, we are better poised to offer the scale and expertise that some of the global law firms and MNC’s look for in IP prosecution.”

LexOrbis Founder Partner Manisha Singh commented,

“Jacob and his team at IP Astra has shown tremendous growth in such a short time and they really think out-of-the-box to deliver high quality IP service. The team’s dedication and enthusiasm was truly inspiring. I am sure this synergy would create new opportunities for us and widen the scope of service deliveries from our Bangalore office.”

This is the second merger of a boutique IP firm with LexOrbis in Bangalore. In 2015, LexOrbis had acquired Dilip Kumar founded Inolyst in Bangalore to expand its presence in Bangalore.