Gopi is a Partner of Christopher & Lee Ong and is the Deputy Head of the Intellectual Property & Intangible Assets (IP & IA) practice, specialising in Tech Disputes. His areas of expertise include IP & IA, as well as Technology, Media and Telecommunication (TMT) disputes.
With 15 years of practice, Gopi brings extensive experience in handling IP and TMT-related disputes, including advising and representing clients in disputes pertaining to IP, IT implementation contract, cyber security incidents and data breaches.
Gopi has appeared as counsel for various IP and TMT disputes before the Courts in Malaysia. He has also worked on numerous administrative enforcement raids with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and has experience on matters involving the obtaining and execution of Anton Piller Orders.
Since 2017, Gopi has served as an active member of the Bar Council IP Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Malaysian Asian Patent Attorney Association (APAA) and is a Committee Member of INTA’s Technology Transformation Committee.
Gopi has also been recognized by various legal directories where:
- He has been ranked as a Trademark Star and Notable Practitioner by IP STARS
- He has been ranked as IP Expert in Malaysia by ASIA IP
- He was named as a Finalist for ALB Malaysia Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) category
- Benchmark Litigation published a client’s feedback where Gopi was described as “…very professional as a lawyer and he has vast experience in litigation matters, in particular intellectual property matters.” Another client feedback mentioned Gopi as demonstrating “strong analytical skills and a high level of professionalism…providing clear and effective solutions even in complex situations. His attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and proactive approach contribute significantly to the success of the case.”
EXPERIENCE
Intellectual Property Disputes
- Represented the plaintiff in a suit to expunge a registered trademark. Also successfully represented the same plaintiff in another suit for passing off, unlawful interference with trade and conspiracy to injure.
- Represented the plaintiff in a copyright infringement, passing off, breach of confidence, breach of director’s duties and conspiracy to injure suit against 5 defendants.
- Represented the plaintiff in a copyright infringement suit against the defendant for the use of the plaintiff’s database.
- Represented a publishing company in defending a copyright infringement claim initiated by the Government of Malaysia and its licensee where one of the main defence put forward was the defence of fair dealing.
- Represented a Malaysian green technology company in a patent invalidation suit against a foreign entity on various grounds including fraud committed on the Patent Registry.
- Represented a subsidiary of a Malaysian public listed company in a patent infringement suit against the defendant. Also represented the plaintiff in opposing interlocutory applications filed by defendant before the High Court and subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Technology Project Disputes
- Acted for the owner of IP in software and IT solutions in an arbitration against the main contractor of a major governmental project. The dispute involves claims for unpaid license fees and professional services, with counterclaims for refunds and liquidated damages.
- Advised an institution on the termination of an IT contract due to the Vendor’s failure to complete software development, including recovery of losses and rights to customisations made during the contract period.
- Acted for the subsidiary of a public listed reinsurance and takaful group in seeking release of source code under an IT escrow arrangement.
- Represented an international healthcare software company in a dispute pertaining to the project implementation of a billing application software support and maintenance services and license agreement
Cyber Security Incident & Data Breach
- Advised the principal retail and marketing arm of a Fortune 500 conglomerate impacted by a ransomware attack on its third-party service provider.
- Represented one of the largest healthcare service provider’s subsidiary company in a case involving a fraudulent impersonation scam, where a significant payment was made to a fraudster.
- Advised a financial institution on data breach caused by a new system implemented. Assisted with risk assessment, liability analysis, and coordinated with internal teams to ensure a swift and effective response.
- Advised a public listed company specialising in delivering solutions and services to the general insurance and financial services industry on potential liabilities and regulatory exposure arising from suspected cybercrimes committed by its major shareholder/director.
Other TMT Related Disputes
- Advised a global technology company specialising in software development, cloud computing, and AI on the 2025 amendments to Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Act.
- Advised a social media company on its obligations under communications and multimedia laws.
- Advised a content platform on the regulatory impact of the 2024 and 2025 amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act.
- Advised a company on the termination of an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) Agreement for a telecommunications cable due to prolonged non-usability.
Reported cases
- Great Food Industries Sdn Bhd v Mazlan bin Mahamad Isa (trading as ‘Perniagaan Idaman Murni) & Ors [2024] MLJU 316
- JAIA Sdn Bhd v Tan Pit Mooi & Ors [2023] MLJU 2193; [2023] 1 LNS 1981
- Aqua Ecotech Sdn Bhd & Anor v Genius Venture Worldwide Limited & Ors [2023] MLJU 2706
- Chu Kok Wei v PCOM Pacific Sdn Bhd [2023] MLJU 656; [2023] 5 LNS 53; [2023] MLJU 2681
- In Re: Crystal Triumph Sdn Bhd [2018] MLJU 1846; [2018] 1 LNS 1959
- Syarikat Faiza Sdn Bhd & Anor v Faiz Rice Sdn Bhd & Anor And Another Case [2019] 7 MLJ 175; [2017] MLJU 1595; [2017] 1 LNS 1648; [2017] 3 CLJ 346; [2016] MLJU 1046
- A K Koh Enterprise Sdn Bhd v A1 Best One Food Industry Sdn Bhd (Pendaftar Cap Dagangan Malaysia, Interested Party) [2015] 9 MLJ 715
- SKB Shutters Manufacturing Sdn Bhd v Seng Kong Shutter Industries Sdn Bhd & Anor [2015] 6 MLJ 293; [2015] 9 CLJ 405
- Wieland Electric Gmbh v Industrial Automation (M) Sdn Bhd & Anor [2014] 10 MLJ 445; [2014] MLJU 200; [2014] 7 CLJ 970; [2014] 1 LNS 192
MEMBERSHIPS / DIRECTORSHIPS
- Member, Malaysian Bar
- Member, Kuala Lumpur Bar
- Member, Bar Council IP Committee
- Board of Directors, Malaysian Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)
- Member, INTA’s Technology Transformation Committee
