The Europe-India Intellectual Property Forum, managed by EBTC recently concluded the Champions of IP Series. The series is dedicated to celebrating the success of top women IP professionals; understanding their journey, both professional and personal; as well as discuss significant milestones in the field of IP and their careers. The experts also shared several useful suggestions and advice for the future generations of professionals, especially women in IP.

The four-part series, initiated on the International Women’s Day on 8th March, culminated today on World Intellectual Property Day, as per its theme for the year – Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity. The Q&A-based series explored the journeys of four leading lawyers, Deepa Tiku, Latha Nair, Archana Shanker, Madhu Rewari as they shared their success mantras to grow and thrive for young professionals.

Celebrating the occasion of International Womens Day, the first episode featured Dr. Deepa K Tiku, Partner, K&S Partners. In the conversation, she shared her journey in the, what drives her and the role of throught leaders in building a knowledge-sharing and supportive ecosystem. She also talked about how IP laws are affecting startups and are helping them compete in the Indian and international market.

Ankita then interviewed Ms. Latha Nair, Partner, K&S Partners, where Ms. Nair is seen speaking on the need for equal emphasis for a #brand protection #strategy, as a #patent strategy for organisations. She highlights three aspects for a good #brandprotection #strategy. This includes choice of the mark, protection (both registration of #trademark and vigilance) and #maintenance of the brand and its trademarks.

In the third part, Ms. Archana Archana Shanker, Senior Partner and Head- Patents & Designs, Anand and Anand emphasised on ‘Change being the only constant’ while she talks about the multiple cases she sees as a milestone which has impacted the Indian IP ecosystem.

Participation of women is increasing, especially in fields such as entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity, she acknowledged. Working in a collaborative approach, stakeholders need to generate synergies to widen opportunities for women. This can have a crucial impact in taking democratic decisions, bring in unique insights and increase the pool of entrepreneurs/ employers.

The last episode featured Ms. Madhu Rewari, Partner and Anand and Anand. During the discussion she expanded upon her long-term stint at the firm. She also touched upon important facets on brand and domain protection, highlighting the focus and changing approach of Indian corporates as well as startups in the area. She also explained her work in IP protection and enforcement policies for key emerging sectors such as AI, IoT, blockchain metaverse etc.

All the four conversations highlighted a few common themes for young professionals and future IP experts. These included:

• There is no shortcut to success; only hard work

• Identify your mentors and source of positive influence; learn from your mentor

• Opportunity to learn is everywhere; try to imbibe positive elements from everyone

• Never fear exploring new territories; expose yourself beyond your comfort zone

• Read read and read; upgrade yourself and stay relevant

• Balance your work life and home life to; it’s important