When we think about what drives sustained business growth, things like financial management, marketing strategies, customer relationships, innovation, a skilled workforce and reliable technology usually come to mind. However, one critical factor often overlooked is business and corporate laws, which can give organisations a competitive edge throughout their entire lifecycle.
From formation and growth to restructuring and dissolution, business and corporate laws go beyond compliance and safeguarding interests— they serve as powerful tools for enhancing competitiveness.These laws act as guiding principles for governance, risk management, ethics and strategic planning, helping organisations scale and mitigate risks in an ever-evolving business landscape.
According to an
Economic Times report, India Inc.'s legal expenses surged by 17% in FY24, driven largely by increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, as well as the pressing need for compliance and dispute resolution—particularly with the emergence of new regulations such as data protection spurred by the adoption of Generative AI. Legal expenses for Nifty 500 firms alone reached ₹52,568 crore in FY24, highlighting the critical role that legal frameworks play in corporate strategy.
In light of these developments, organisations are adapting. Many businesses are expanding their in-house legal teams and seeking external legal counsel, which reflects the increasing strategic importance of business and corporate laws in governance and competitive positioning.
Understanding the growing importance of these laws as strategic assets in driving organisational growth and competitive advantage, IIM Calcutta has developed its 9-monthto equip corporate legal professionals with the critical knowledge needed to advance their careers.
Alumni share their experiences of IIM Calcutta's Executive Programme in Business and Corporate Laws
Expert-led insights in business and corporate lawsEPBCL is facilitated by seasoned faculty members who bring extensive expertise in the field and ensure that participants receive cutting-edge insights on business and corporate laws.
Prof. Rajesh Babu, Programme Director of EPBCL and a Fellow at the Hague Academy of International Law, explains how using law strategically can boost corporate resilience and give organisations a competitive edge. "Moving beyond mere compliance, the dynamic role of these laws presents an opportunity to proactively prevent legal obstacles and drive organisational restructuring and growth," he states.
Prof. V. K. Unni, Programme Director ofand an expert in Intellectual Property Law and Banking & Finance, notes the practical implications of legal knowledge. He asserts that professionals equipped with the ability to apply legal concepts to real-world business challenges are more likely to succeed. “Participants in our programme, regardless of their legal background, gain valuable insights into essential legal frameworks encountered in various business functions, enabling them to make informed decisions,” he highlights.
Master corporate legal frameworks for a competitive advantageThe structured curriculum equips participants with the skills to understand regulatory frameworks and develop strategies that give their organisation a competitive edge. By working on capstone projects, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants apply their knowledge to real-world legal challenges, sharpening the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in corporate legal roles.
Let's explore some of the key components of the programme.
- Identify suitable formats for company incorporation
Choosing the right company structure is crucial and EPBCL breaks it down for you. Whether you're in the early stages of a startup, driving growth, or managing a well-established enterprise, you'll get the legal know-how to pick the format that fits—whether it's a Private Limited, LLP, or Public Limited Company—so your organisation can grow smoothly and stay compliant. - Learn capital-raising frameworks
Participants will dive into how to raise capital through different channels, like New Fund Offers (NFOs) for public investments, Private Placement (PP) for targeted investors, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) for mergers and acquisitions. They will learn the regulatory frameworks that guide these options and manage foreign investments confidently with insights into the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). - Study operating and competition laws
EPBCL teaches how to strategically apply Operating and Competition Laws to ensure fair practices and steady growth. Participants learn how competition laws prevent monopolistic behaviour and create an environment where businesses can thrive. Simultaneously, they'll gain insights into operational laws that govern day-to-day activities, ensuring compliance and efficiency as their organisations expand.
- Create value through intellectual property management
With EPBCL, the participant will be better equipped to protect their innovations and creative works through effective Intellectual Property (IP) management — securing patents, trademarks and copyrights. They will also get familiar with global IP protection by understanding the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, ensuring their IP assets are safeguarded in international markets.
- Master dispute resolution frameworks
EPBCL imparts expertise and practical knowledge in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration, conciliation and mediation. These tools provide quick, confidential, and cost-effective solutions, helping the participants resolve conflicts without disrupting business operations or relationships.
- Leverage international trade laws
EPBCL will help participants deepen their knowledge of the regulatory frameworks that shape international trade and investments. They will learn how to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines and Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIM), positioning their organisations to navigate cross-border deals and tap into new markets.
- Drive inorganic growth with mergers & acquisitions
Participants will learn to identify and assess opportunities in Mergers, Acquisitions and Joint Ventures. They will gain critical insights into managing the legal and financial complexities of these transactions to ensure they align with their organisation's strategic goals and drive growth.
Stay updated and relevant in your corporate legal roleThe Executive Programme in Business and Corporate Laws consistently empowers working professionals to deepen their understanding of corporate law and apply strategic legal frameworks within their organisations. Alumni believe the programme's comprehensive approach has played a significant role in their professional development.
For Milind Tahalani, Associate Director at Jupiter, the programme was highly informative, allowing him to broaden his understanding of laws and their applications in his industry. “The programme provided insights into various legal aspects from professors and peers, helping me apply this knowledge to my work in the evolving FinTech industry,” he shares.
Ansuman Patro, Lead Product Manager at Confidential, reflects on how EPBCL serves as a stepping stone for professionals to transition into leadership roles. "EPBCL offered insights into evolving rules and regulations, helping me to navigate micro decisions and gain a broad legal perspective. It prepared me to transition from an individual contributor to a senior leadership role,” he notes.
Access expert knowledge at your convenienceIIM Calcutta has partnered with VCNow Executive Education to provide live online video lectures, enabling participants to join sessions from anywhere. Classes are scheduled every Sunday and select Saturdays and the programme also includes a 7-day on-campus module for hands-on learning and networking.
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certification of Completion and earn the prestigious IIM Calcutta’s Executive Education Alumni Status, affirming their association with one of India's premier management institutions.
Excel as a corporate legal expertIf you're a General Counsel, Legal Counsel, corporate legal and secretarial professional (CA & CS), Chief Legal Officer, corporate lawyer, M&A strategist, entrepreneur, or a professional aspiring to join corporate legal teams (with at least 2 years of experience), IIM Calcutta’s EPBCL is the next step to accelerate your career.
As author and technology-strategy-law expert Larry Downes aptly noted, "Law is the last great untapped source of competitive advantage." EPBCL embodies this philosophy, empowering participants to leverage law as a catalyst for sustained growth and an enduring competitive edge beyond mere compliance.
To learn more about the programme, or enrol in Batch 6,.
Disclaimer: The article has been produced on behalf of VCNow (Unified Collaboration Services) by the Times Internet's Spotlight team