Tag: Shark Tank India

From Shark Tank India to ₹9.69 Crore: The Nestroots Story of Design, IP, and Growth

Comfort, style, and a dash of individuality come to the mind when one think of home. It seems like an industry that is never out of style. So Nestroots’s Shark Tank arrival and carving a name for itself in India’s thriving direct-to-consumer market seemed obvious. And they did so by concentrating on the junction of reasonably priced yet stylish kitchen essentials and home décor.

When Chhavi shared her story of transitioning from a corporate professional to creating a brand that embodies her own passion for décor on Shark Tank India (Season 2), the company made an impression. According to Indian Startup News, Nestroots obtained a 2% equity investment of Rs 50 Lakh from Namita Thapar of Emcure Pharma and gained recognition and credibility from the pitch. Customers viewed it as a brand with ambition and design roots rather than just another online vendor.

What was unique about it? Its unique selling point is the way it strikes a balance between affordability and aspirational design. Nestroots positioned itself in the “premium-affordable” décor market, which is a sweet spot for urban middle-class consumers who want their homes to look Pinterest-worthy without breaking the bank, rather than concentrating only on luxury or mass-market plastic.

Intellectual Property (IP) Portfolio

For a brand in home and lifestyle, IP is not optional but it’s survival. From names and logos to designs and product lines, every element of Nestroots’ identity must be protected in a market where imitation is common.

Here’s what the filings show:

Word Mark	App. No.	Class	Filing Date	Proprietor	Status	Valid Upto	Goods & Services
NESTROOTS	3620176	24	24/08/2017	Chhavi Singh	Registered	24/08/2027	Mattress covers, cushion covers, furnishing fabrics, curtains, table covers, bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, quilts, table & bath linen
NESTROOTS	4415879	20	22/01/2020	Chhavi	Registered	22/01/2030	Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, serveware, kitchen & dining, cutlery, showpieces, goods of wood, cane, wicker, plastics
NESTROOTS	6075159	21	21/08/2023	ADC Brands Pvt. Ltd.	Registered	21/08/2033	Household items, kitchen utensils

This portfolio covers three crucial categories:

Class 24: Fabrics & linens (soft furnishings).
Class 20: Furniture & décor (core business).
Class 21: Kitchenware & household utensils (fast-moving consumer goods).

Together, this gives Nestroots a defensive moat across its product range. No competitor can casually use the “Nestroots” brand in home décor, furniture, or kitchen tools without risking infringement.

On the copyright side, Nestroots owns rights over its product photography, catalogues, digital creatives, and product descriptions. For unique design, say, a specially carved wooden serveware item or patterned furniture, it could even explore design registrations, though these are typically underutilised in India.

Why IP Matters for Nestroots

The home & kitchen space is notorious for copycats. A design uploaded today can be copied by a small seller and sold at a cheaper price tomorrow. So by owning IP across classes 20, 21, and 24, Nestroots protects its branding, customer trust, and investor appeal. IP isn’t just legal paperwork, it’s a signal to consumers that they are buying the original.

Business Contracts They Likely Use

A company like Nestroots operates on multiple fronts, like manufacturing, sourcing, retail partnerships, e-commerce, and each layer requires contracts. Among the most important are:

Manufacturing and Supplier Agreements: Since products come into contact with food and are used at home, quality control is essential. Consistent standards and uniformity, are guaranteed by these contracts.
E-commerce Platform Agreements: Listing with Pepperfry, Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and other such online sellers is a must for any business. Thus, liabilities, returns, and commissions must all be negotiated.
Employment Contracts: From warehouse staff to designers, clear terms on confidentiality and non-compete clauses protect proprietary designs.
Marketing and Influencer Partnerships: Working together with influencers or décor bloggers for product promotion or collaboration, needs terms and conditions to be defined well.
Franchise or Retail Agreements: If they expand offline into stores, revenue-sharing contracts will matter.
Lease Agreements: Warehouses, office space, or studio rentals.
Shareholder Agreements: With ADC Brands Pvt. Ltd. now holding trademarks, corporate structuring contracts define ownership and future exits.

Without these contracts, operational chaos can quickly snowball into a financial or reputational disaster.

Due Diligence: Diving Deep

For any investors or partners, due diligence in Nestroots would entail peering under the bonnet to check if the brand is as formidable as it appears in public.

Corporate Structure

Company: ADC Brands Pvt. Ltd. (CIN: U52520DL2021PTC380429)
Incorporated: 20 April 2021, registered in Delhi.
Status: Active, latest AGM on 30 Sept 2023.
Age: 4 years (young but stable).

Ownership & Filings

Check if founder Chhavi Singh remains a promoter, and what percentage equity she holds.
Cross-verify ROC filings for changes in shareholding after Shark Tank and later funding.

IP Portfolio

Make sure all three trademarks (3620176, 4415879, 6075159) are renewed and active.
Verify if there are any oppositions or infringement notices.
Double-check the assignment from Chhavi (sole proprietor) to ADC Brands Pvt. Ltd.

Financial Due Diligence

Revenue as of March 31, 2024, was ₹9.69 crore.
Investors will look at YoY growth, gross margins, return rates, and SKU contribution.
Important question: Can Nestroots get bigger from a niche premium décor brand to a household name without burning cash?

Regulatory & Compliance

GST registrations should be up to date.
Consumer protection compliance, particularly on product safety, return/refund policies.
Labour law compliance for warehouse and manufacturing personnel.
Import/export documents (if importing internationally).

Risk Assessment

Intense competition in the home & kitchen category, such as Amazon Basics, Ikea, and local unbranded vendors.
Design copying risk from lower-priced brands.
Excessive reliance on online. If Flipkart/Amazon algorithms change, visibility may suffer.

For an interested shark or VC, due diligence makes them not fall into stealth traps such as unpaid GST, unsecured IP, or supply chain vulnerabilities.

Key Legal & Business Lessons

Nestroots’ trajectory unveils several strong takeaways for Indian startups:

Register Trademarks Early, and in Several Classes

Chhavi Singh registered Class 24 (fabrics) back in 2017, many years before Nestroots became a household name. Subsequent registrations in 2020 and 2023 covered furniture and kitchenware. That vision has the brand’s future categories safeguarded.

Corporate Structuring Makes a Difference

Shifting to ADC Brands Pvt. Ltd. formalized the enterprise, transforming it into an investment-worthy company. Scale startups need to leave founder-owned enterprises behind and transition to correct corporate entities.

Contracts Protect Growth

From vendors to influencers, contractual agreements avoid conflicts. In lifestyle and décor brands, a single batch of defective products can dent the image. Legal contracts inject accountability.

Due Diligence Fosters Investor Trust

Sharks and VCs desire to see clean IP, transparent accounting, and compliance. For Nestroots, the display of valid trademarks, clear corporate records, and regulatory compliance forms the core of raising larger rounds.

Competition Will Copy: Your Brand Must Defend

In homeware, design copying is the norm. What makes you unique isn’t a product but it’s a legally registered brand. A copied table design will be forgiven by consumers, but they will always look for the original Nestroots experience.

Conclusion

Nestroots is more than just a décor startup; it’s a prime example of how a founder’s idea, supported by prompt legal action, can build a strong brand in a competitive market. It has established the framework for scale by registering trademarks in various classes, incorporating as a legitimate business, and generating consistently increasing revenues (₹9.69 crore FY24).

The lesson for other business owners is obvious: being legally prepared is an investment, not a cost. Contracts, due diligence, and IP filings are more than just paperwork; they are barriers that let innovation and business thrive without worrying about copying or collapsing.

Nestroots is positioned as a company that comprehends not only the art of design but also the science of law and business, which is important given the continued growth of the home décor market in India.

Author Details-Apoorva Lamba (3rd Year Student, Madhav Mahavidyalya, Jiwaji University, Gwalior)

October 13, 2025

Inside Skippi Ice Pops: How IP Strategy Turned Nostalgia into a National Brand

Sometimes the simplest of childhood memories can spark a million-dollar business. That’s exactly what happened with Ravi and Anuja Kabra, the husband-wife duo behind Skippi Ice Pops.

If you grew up in India in the 80s, 90s, or even early 2000s, you probably remember those colourful ice pops sold outside schools, in playgrounds, or by your local shopkeeper. They were cheap, fun, and yet refreshing. But they were also unbranded, often unhygienic, and inconsistent in quality. Over the years, they quietly disappeared from the mainstream. In nostalgia, the Kabras saw a chance. They transformed the common ice pop into a branded, hygienically packaged, and safe product that would appeal to both parents and kids. Thus, Kabra Global Products Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Skippi Ice Pops, was established.

Their big moment came in Shark Tank India Season 1 (2021), where they pitched as the first-ever ice popsicle brand on the show. What made their pitch legendary was that they became the first company to bag investment from all five Sharks. They were valued at ₹1 crore for 15% equity. The Sharks were sold on the simplicity of the idea, the nostalgia factor, and most importantly, on their clarity of execution. Skippi’s USP is simple but powerful:

Branded, hygienic, FSSAI-approved ice pops.
Scalable and reasonably priced in India’s hot climate;
Kid-friendly flavours and packaging.

They revived a long-forgotten classic in a market dominated by ice cream and colas, but this time they focused on compliance and branding.

Portfolio of Intellectual Property (IP)

Using intellectual property filings to safeguard their packaging and brand name was one of Skippi’s best early decisions. In FMCG, branding is everything. Without IP, anyone could copy the name, replicate the colours, and ride on your marketing spend. Here’s a quick look at their IP filings:

Trademark	Class	Description	Application No.	Date	Proprietor	Status
Skippi Ice Pops (Wordmark)	35	Wholesale and retail services related to ice pops	4916551	22 Mar 2021	Kabra Global Products Pvt. Ltd.	Registered
Skippi (Logo + Label)	30	Flavoured ice pops, ice cream, confectionery	4916548	22 Mar 2021	Kabra Global Products Pvt. Ltd.	Registered
Skippi Ice Pops (Device)	30	Frozen desserts & ice pops	4916549	22 Mar 2021	Kabra Global Products Pvt. Ltd.	Registered

What this means is:

Class 30 covers food products (ice pops, frozen desserts).
Class 35 covers retail and wholesale services.

So not only is the name “Skippi Ice Pops” legally theirs, but also the retail service under which it is sold. While trademarks protect the brand, copyrights protect the creatives. Skippi holds copyrights in:

It’s vibrant packaging designs.
Marketing jingles, product images, and digital campaigns.
Design and Patent Potential

Their tube-format stickless packaging is registered as a distinct design to stop competitors from replicating its packaging with its mascot and distinctive appearance. But their recipes cannot be patented because ice pops are not novel.

Why IP matters for Skippi:

In a low-barrier FMCG space, strong IP ensures customer trust and deters copycats. Imagine if multiple small players started selling “Skippi-style” popsicles without IP protection, the brand would lose exclusivity. The Kabras were therefore smart enough to secure their brand name before going on to Shark Tank as it reassured the Sharks as well.

Business Contracts They Likely Use

Beneath the colourful packaging and whimsical branding is a web of legally binding contracts that run the business safely and effectively.

Supplier Contracts: Skippi requires a steady supply of high-quality raw materials like fruit concentrates, purified water, sugar, and those unique plastic tubes. Contracts with their suppliers secure prices and fluctuations, quality levels, and delivery timelines. This is so that each pop is exactly the same and quality-controlled.
Distribution and Franchise Agreements: To reach a freezer in your vicinity, Skippi uses an extensive system of distributors. These agreements cover territories, margins, and delivery duties. They have agreements with malls, and big retail chains for exclusive outlets which are covered here as well.
Work Agreements: From factory food technologists to sales representatives in the field, explicit work agreements spell out responsibilities, confidentiality terms (to secure recipes and processes), and terms of association.
Service Contracts: Associations with delivery behemoths such as SwiggyInstamart and Zomato, and with e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart, are regulated by comprehensive service contracts including logistics, commission, and liability.
The Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA): This is probably the most important contract after Shark Tank. The SHA formally commits the agreement to law with the five Sharks. It specifies their rights, profit allocation, governance, and exit strategies. It’s the quintessential rulebook for their investor-founder partnership.

Due Diligence

When they would have written that cheque for ₹1 crore, the Sharks and their lawyers would have done intensive due diligence. It is a check-up of a business in medical terms, and for an FMCG business, it’s exhaustive. A standard due diligence process in case of Skippi would involve:

Verification of Corporate Structure: Verify that Kabra Global Products Pvt. Ltd. (CIN: U15400MH2016PTC288650) is structured and if it is registered correctly.
IP Audit: Ensuring the “Skippi” trademarks were properly filed and provided strong protection. That was a priority.
Regulatory Compliance: This is gigantic in the food sector. They would have checked the FSSAI license and made sure all the manufacturing units strictly complied with hygiene and labelling standards. Any single infraction can cause huge recalls and reputation loss.
Contract Review: Reviewing the current agreements with suppliers and distributors to make sure they were equitable and would not create issues with expansion.
Financial Health: Reviewing sales data, profit margins, and cash flow to confirm the staggering growth numbers outlined in the pitch.

This attentiveness was important because the Sharks were investing in a brand. Anything undone in the legal or regulatory underpinning could have dissolved their investment more quickly than an ice pop on a hot day.

Key Legal & Business Lessons

Other start-ups can learn a few things from Skippi’s journey:

Early IP filing. Prior to Shark Tank airing, in March 2021, Skippi filed its trademarks. This one action guaranteed their brand ownership and stopped copycats from profiting.
Possess written agreements. Handshake deals are insufficient for FMCG businesses. Clear, detailed agreements are necessary for distributors, suppliers, and employees. Credibility is increased by compliance. FSSAI compliance is essential to the survival of food start-ups; it is not an option. Skippi marketed itself as a brand that is clean, safe, and endorsed by parents.
Investment is earned through due diligence. The Sharks invested in a business that had done its legal research, not just in nostalgia.
Power is equal to nostalgia plus trust. Skippi established a niche by bringing back fond childhood memories while maintaining brand safety and hygiene.

Conclusion

Skippi Ice Pops proves that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new; it can mean bringing back something old in a smarter, safer, and more marketable way.

From unbranded street-side popsicles to an organised FMCG brand backed by five Sharks, Skippi shows how legal strategy and brand protection are just as important as product innovation. For entrepreneurs, the message is clear:

Build nostalgia or emotion into your brand.
Secure it with IP.
Scale it with contracts and compliance.

Skippi’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most endearing ventures are based on early memories that are bolstered by investor confidence and legal protection.

Author Details-Apoorva Lamba(3rd Year Student, Madhav Mahavidyalya, Jiwaji University, Gwalior)

October 10, 2025

The Cinnamon Kitchen: Building Trust with Law and IP

When you think “healthy bakery,” you might imagine a small home kitchen, a few jars of almond butter, or someone trying out sweets with oats instead of sugar. But The Cinnamon Kitchen (TCK) is more than that. It’s a brand born from personal struggle, rapid growth, and sharp business sense, all of which require more than ovens and recipes. Let’s unpack their journey, their IP (trademarks, etc.), what kinds of contracts they likely use, and how due diligence by investors and their own legal team would matter.

Who Is The Cinnamon Kitchen

Founder & origin story: Priyasha Saluja started TCK around 2018-19 in motivated by her own health issues (PCOS). Healthy, plant-based, organic, gluten-free treats are her niche.
What they offer: Products include spreads, snacks, cookies, cakes, vegan cheese chips, etc. All without traditional sugars, gluten, or dairy (or using healthier alternatives).
The Shark Tank deal: On Shark Tank India Season 3, Priyasha asked for ₹ 60 lakh for 2% equity, but eventually closed the deal with Aman Gupta for ₹ 60 lakh for 5% equity.
Financial growth: Started with a small personal investment (₹ 50,000) and annual revenues evolving roughly like – FY1: ~₹ 1.4 lakh; FY2: ~₹ 12.5 lakh; then ₹ 25 lakh; then ~₹ 82 lakh; and projecting ~₹ 6 crore for ~2023-24.

What IP Registrations They Have (As Verified)

One trademark registration is public and verified; there may be more, but this is what the records show.

Trademark for “THE CINNAMON KITCHEN”

Application No: 5432402
Filed on: 2 May 2022 by Priyasha Saluja
Status: Registered, valid until 2 May 2032.
Goods & Services: Class 29 (food products) includes processed fruits & vegetables, frozen & canned foods, mixed dried fruits & nuts, etc. Basically, broad food-product categories.

Trademark for “THE CINNAMON KITCHEN”

Application No: 7108058
Filed on: 9 July 2025 under Tcki Plant Foods Private Limited by Priyasha Saluja
Status: Registered, valid until 9 July 2035.
Goods & Services: Class 30 (food products) includes Sandwich wraps [bread], Brownies, Brownie mixes, Chocolate brownies, Frozen brownie dough, cakes, etc. Basically, broad bakery food-product categories.

So as of now, they have at least one solid, registered trademark covering many food product categories, which gives them legal protection from others using “The Cinnamon Kitchen” for similar food goods.

Business Contracts They Would Likely Use + Must Use

Given the scale they’re at, and the kinds of operations they have, here are the contracts TCK almost certainly uses (or needs to use) in day-to-day functioning:

Contract Type	Purpose / Why It’s Important in Their Setting
Supplier Agreements	Their facility in Noida (factory/production unit) is leased or owned; shopfronts/retail stores may be leased. Also, storage, cold storage, or warehouse leases if needed.
Lease/Rental Agreements	For staff in production, kitchen, quality control, packaging, sales, marketing, logistics, etc. These should cover roles, confidentiality (especially recipes or unique formulations), non-competition / non-solicitation (within legal limits), IP (who owns recipes/formulations created), termination, wages, and benefits.
Manufacturing / Processing Agreements (if using third-party facilities)	Agreements with Blinkit, Amazon, and retail stores to stock & sell their products. Also with airports (as per news) for the retail of packaged goods. These contracts cover packaging, labeling, delivery, returns, margins, payment terms.
Distribution & Retail Agreements	For staff in production, kitchen, quality control, packaging, sales, marketing, logistics, etc. These should cover roles, confidentiality (especially recipes or unique formulations), non-competition / non-solicitation (within legal limits), IP (who owns recipes/formulations created), termination, wages, and benefits.
Employment Contracts	For marketing, digital ads, delivery apps, packaging design, branding, lab reports / nutritional labeling. Possibly for audit/accounting/food safety consultants.
Service Agreements	Once Aman Gupta invests, there must be an agreement among founder(s) and investor(s) defining rights: equity, governance (board or voting rights), reporting, exit rights, dilution protection etc.
Investor / Shareholder Agreements	Once Aman Gupta invests, there must be an agreement among founder(s) and investor(s) defining rights: equity, governance (board or voting rights), reporting, exit rights, dilution protection, etc.
Contract for Product Testing / Food Safety / Certifications	If some items are co-manufactured or outsourced, contracts for manufacturing (with hygiene, safety, food standard, certificate, recall liabilities, etc).

Contracts must be well-written, enforceable, and properly registered or witnessed as needed.

Due Diligence: What Both Lawyers and Sharks would (Have) Checked

When Aman Gupta (or any Shark) invested, several legal and commercial checks would have been (or should have been) conducted. Similarly, Priyasha herself or her legal counsel should ensure internal due diligence to protect her company. Here are key areas:

Due Diligence Area	What to Look for, Risks
Corporate Structure & Ownership	Is the business properly registered (private limited, proprietorship, etc.)? Any income tax / GST registrations in place? Any pending disputes or liabilities? Who owns what shares?
Trademark / IP Ownership	Agreements with suppliers, distributors must be reviewed: Are the terms favourable? Any obligations/exclusivity that may burden the company? Payment terms, liability for defaults.
Compliance with Food Laws	FSSAI licensing, labelling laws, nutritional claims, cleanliness/hygiene standards. If claiming “gluten-free” or “refined sugar-free,” verification by labs is needed. Any liability risk (consumer complaints, lawsuits).
Contractual Commitments	The Sharks in TCK’s pitch flagged packaging and labelling concerns. Legal requirements for labels (ingredient list, allergen warnings, shelf life, manufacturing/expiry dates). Any trademark use on packaging, structure, or layout to avoid misleading consumers.
Debt & Financial Liabilities	Checking existing loans, interest obligations (e.g, debt component introduced by Aman’s initial offer had interest), outstanding supplier bills, payroll liabilities, etc.
Packaging &Labelling Legalities	Clarity on valuation (how was ₹ 12 crore valuation calculated?), what proportion of stake, investor rights (board seat, voting rights), dilution, exit, profit distribution, etc. Also, terms of any debt component (interest, repayment schedule).
Contracts with Retail / Distribution Partners	Retailers often have strict compliance, return policies, and damages for spoilage. Legal clarity is needed to handle product returns or unsold stock, shelf life, and damage in transit.
Equity Deal Terms	Clarity on valuation (how was the ₹ 12 crore valuation calculated?), what proportion of stake, investor rights (board seat, voting rights), dilution, exit, profit distribution, etc. Also, terms of any debt component (interest, repayment schedule).

Good due diligence reduces surprises, ensures risk mitigation, and gives both founder and investor confidence.

Lessons & Legal Observations

From what is public, TCK has done many things right, but some observations/lessons stand out:

Securing a good trademark early is crucial. TCK’s registration means others can’t use similar names in the food goods space.
Transparent packaging & labelling is not just marketing, it’s legal compliance. The Sharks raising issues on TCK’s packaging shows how packaging can become a legal risk (customer complaints, regulatory issues).
The equity deal structure (choosing equity vs debt or mix) needs careful negotiation. TCK had a term offered as debt + equity. Understanding such structures is critical.
Growth projections (sales, scale, SKUs, shelf life) must align with contract readiness: supplier capacity, distribution contracts, legal compliance, food safety, etc. Scaling brings new legal exposure.
Maintaining product consistency and food claims (gluten-free, plant-based, etc.) must be supported by certificates or testing; otherwise, risk of misrepresentation or regulatory punishment.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Kitchen is a great example of how a strong idea, personal conviction, and smart business moves can combine with legal protection to build a brand. From securing a trademark, negotiating with investors, scaling via retail and online channels, to handling food-safety and labelling issues, there are many moving parts behind the scenes.

For founders and start-ups, the key takeaways are:

Protect your brand name via IP early.
Use clear contracts with suppliers, distributors, and employees.
Ensure all regulatory compliances are in place (food laws, labeling, safety).
Understand what investors want: clean legal records, IP ownership, and transparent financials.

Author Details-Apoorva Lamba (3rd Year Student, Madhav Mahavidyalya, Jiwaji University, Gwalior)

October 9, 2025

InACan: The Indian Startup Mixing Innovation, IP, and Convenience in a Can

What if you could open your fridge and pull out a perfectly crafted cocktail? No fuss of a bartender, muddler, measuring, or mess? That’s exactly the experience InACan set out to create.

The story begins with Sameer Mirajkar and Viraj Rajendra Sawant, two friends who wanted to break down the barrier between everyday life and premium cocktails. For them, it wasn’t just about alcohol; it was about giving people a slice of the “bar experience” wherever they were, be it at home, on a road trip, or at a house party.

But vision alone wasn’t enough. To bring it to life, they needed a master of the craft. Enter Varun Sudhakar, a veteran of the craft whose hands had shaped countless cocktails behind some of the country’s busiest counters. Together, the trio didn’t just build a product; they built a journey. Nine months, 15,000 kilometres of road travel, and endless hours of experimentation later, they had their answer: InACan.

Intellectual Property (IP) Portfolio

The brand launched with five variations of cocktails, packaged in sleek cans that felt just as premium as the drinks inside. From Mojitos to Cosmopolitans, each sip promised the same balance and consistency that you’d expect from a high-end bar. And perhaps that’s why InACan instantly stood out as a carefully engineered experience.

And when you’re building a brand in such a competitive space, IP protection isn’t a luxury, but it’s survival. InACan understood this from the beginning and moved quickly to secure its most valuable asset: its name.

Here’s what their trademark portfolio looks like:

Word Mark	Application No.	Class	Date of Application	Proprietor	Status	Valid Upto	Description
INACAN	4852621	32	06/02/2021	Sameer Mirajkar	Registered	06/02/2031	Ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages
INACAN	4852622	33	06/02/2021	Sameer Mirajkar	Registered	06/02/2031	Ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages

This dual-class filing is strategic genius. Mocktails (Class 32) and alcoholic cocktails (Class 33) are both protected by it. Therefore, InACan’s brand identity is protected regardless of whether they are selling to partygoers or teetotallers.

Beyond trademarks, the packaging design, those instantly recognisable cans are another soft IP that adds to their brand value. While not formally registered as a design yet, it’s an area ripe for protection in the future. And let’s not forget their semi-automatic can seamer machine. If unique enough, this innovation could even be eligible for a design registration or utility patent.

Why does this matter? Because in beverages, customers buy the brand as much as they buy the liquid inside. If someone else launches “Ina-Can” tomorrow with confusingly similar packaging, the damage would be irreparable without strong IP protection.

Business Contracts: They Probably Employ

Behind each can of Mojito or Cosmopolitan, there is an entire universe of contracts keeping the business in place. For InACan, these probably consist of:

Supplier Contracts – For spirits, mixers, fruit extracts, and packaging. One poor batch of ingredients can ruin brand trust, so these must have rigorous quality clauses.
Manufacturing Agreements – In the event that production is outsourced, the agreements must ensure consistency, hygiene, and adherence to excise norms.
Distribution Contracts – Alcohol distribution in India is controlled by the State Governments. Thus, InACan must have watertight contracts with wholesalers and modern retail chains.
Employment Contracts – For all, from marketing teams to R&D personnel. Due to the premium positioning, employee confidentiality and non-compete clauses become imperative.
Marketing & Influencer Agreements – As the business is lifestyle-driven, influencer collaborations are strong but also legally hazardous if expectations are not documented.
Consultancy Agreements– For FSSAI consultants, excise law consultants, and compliance consultants.
Future Licensing/Franchising Agreements – If they scale up to physical cocktail lounges or kiosks, contracts will determine revenue-sharing, branding rights, and such.

In essence, every contract serves as a safety net, averting conflicts before they arise. They also guarantee seamless operations in a legally delicate sector.

Due Diligence

Now, picture it as a Shark or any investor evaluating InACan. What would they look for before writing a cheque? Due diligence is necessary in this situation.

Corporate Structure: InACan operates under RM Beverages Private Limited (CIN: U15540PN2022PTC214999), registered in Pune in 2022. With an authorised capital of ₹60 lakh and a paid-up capital of about ₹27 lakh, the company is still in its early but promising growth stage. Its FY 2023 revenue was around $202K or ₹1.6 crores, a healthy start for such a niche product.
Governance & Directors: The founders, Sameer Mirajkar and Viraj Sawant, are listed as directors and occupy executive roles. Through the most recent AGM in December 2023, MCA compliance and timely AGM filings were maintained. This is one of the ways the company shows its compliance standards.
IP Audit: It is crucial to confirm that the Class 32 and Class 33 marks are also being actively used in addition to being registered. Because they might be open to imitation if they don’t comply or submit an IP filing.
Regulatory Compliance: Alcohol is an Indian legal minefield. So, InACan must hold:
- FSSAI licences for food safety.
- Excise approvals for alcohol manufacture and sale.
- GST registrations.
- Labelling compliance, like alcohol content, batch numbers, health warnings, and such.
Contracts Check: Reviewing distributor and supplier agreements to ensure no clauses could cripple future expansion, like exclusivity traps.
For investors, this process isn’t red tape; it’s insurance. A lapse in excise compliance could mean a state-wide ban on sales. A weak supplier contract could cause stock-outs. Due diligence, then, guarantees that investors are placing their money on a company that is both innovative and compliant with the law.

Key Legal & Business Lessons

InACan’s journey offers a playbook for other startups:

Think Ahead with IP – Filing in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic classes shows foresight. Too many startups wait until they’re bigger to think about trademarks, and by then, it’s often too late.
Contracts Are Quiet Heroes – Consumers never see them, but contracts decide whether your supply chain runs smoothly or collapses overnight.
Regulation Isn’t Optional – In food and beverage, compliance is survival. Skipping licences or excise filings is like playing Jenga with your business.
Due Diligence Builds Investor Trust – No Shark (or VC) will invest unless the legal house is in order. Strong contracts, IP filings, and spotless MCA records all engender trust.
Convenience Is King – At its core, InACan proves that consumers crave products that combine quality with accessibility. That’s a lesson that cuts across industries.

Conclusion

InACan isn’t just selling cocktails, it’s selling moments. A Cosmopolitan on a Friday night without a trip to the bar. A Mojito at a house party without worrying about mint leaves. Convenience wrapped in consistency, delivered in a can.

A well-constructed legal and business foundation, however, is just as significant as the flavour and fizz. Innovation plus protection is what makes a startup, as InACan exemplifies by securing dual trademarks, negotiating strong contracts, and guaranteeing adherence to India’s intricate alcohol regulations.

As India’s drinking culture evolves, and as consumers demand premium experiences in simpler formats, InACan is perfectly placed to lead. For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: protect your brand, lock down your contracts, stay compliant, and let your product shine.

Because in the end, the real recipe for success is equal parts creativity and compliance.

Author Details- Apoorva Lamba (3rd Year Student, Madhav Mahavidyalya, Jiwaji University, Gwalior)

October 6, 2025