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Women's IP World Ranking 2025
Category:
IMPACTFUL LITIGATION AND CASE LAW
Top 100 Influential Women Leaders in IP Law and Innovation 2025 Ranking Result
Janine Swarbrick
Patent Director at HGF Limited, United Kingdom


Ranked #1 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law, Janine Swarbrick highlights her exceptional role in shaping patent strategies and influencing legal interpretations in emerging technologies.
As Patent Director at HGF Limited, Janine has been instrumental in crafting robust patents in AI, MedTech, and telecommunications, ensuring these patents withstand legal scrutiny and support strong enforcement strategies. Her advisory work helps clients navigate complex disputes, often resolving issues favorably before they escalate to litigation.
Janine’s expertise in standard-essential patents (SEPs) and digital health innovations contributes to evolving case law, setting precedents that guide future IP practices. Through her published insights and mentorship, she advances the understanding of patent law, inspiring the next generation of IP professionals. Her strategic focus and leadership make her a cornerstone of impactful litigation and case law development.

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Shireen Dhar
Managing Associate at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices,India


Shireen Dhar’s ranking as number 2 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law reflects her expertise in intellectual property law and her dedication to advancing trademark litigation.
As Managing Associate at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, Shireen has successfully represented high-profile clients across technology, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality. She secured critical orders in domain name disputes before WIPO and NIXI and played a key role in transactions like the INR 2048 crore sale of an Indian fintech giant’s entertainment business.
Her thought leadership extends to articles for INTA and global IP forums, where she advocates for accessible IP education. Shireen’s workshops and certificate courses empower aspiring professionals, and her pro bono work, including supporting India’s Paralympic gold medalist, underscores her commitment to inclusivity. Her strategic approach and dedication to equity make her a leader in the evolving IP landscape.

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Ronak Kalhor-Witzel
Counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Germany


Ronak Kalhor-Witzel’s ranking as number 3 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law celebrates her expertise in patent litigation and her thought leadership in IP law.
As Counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Ronak leads the EMEA Patent Prosecution Practice, offering strategic guidance in freedom-to-operate analyses and enforcement matters. She has played a pivotal role in landmark copyright cases, addressing AI training models and scientific research exceptions in Germany.
Her influential publications on AI, generative technologies, and European patent law have shaped industry standards and policies. A member of key professional organisations, Ronak actively fosters innovation and mentors women in IP law through initiatives like the Ladies Mentoring Network. Her advocacy for diversity and her dedication to advancing IP jurisprudence position her as a leader in the field.

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Paulina Rius
Associate at TMI Law, Mexico


Paulina Rius Álvarez’s ranking as number 4 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law reflects her outstanding contributions to intellectual property and entertainment law.
With over 20 years of experience, Paulina has negotiated complex agreements and protected IP rights, particularly in the entertainment sector. As an Associate Attorney at TMI Law and Director of Latin American Relations at Brand Action, she unites professionals across continents to address global crises through IP initiatives.
Paulina’s dedication to education is evident in her decade-long tenure as an IP law professor and her work on INTA’s Brands and Sustainability Committee. Through pro bono efforts and mentorship, she champions diversity and inclusion, fostering innovation in IP law. Her leadership combines legal expertise with a deep commitment to social responsibility, positioning her as a visionary in the field.

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Isha sharma
Founder and Director at Trayambak and Viadroit, India


sha Sharma’s ranking as number 5 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law underscores her innovative approach to intellectual property law and her dedication to fostering IP awareness.
As Founder of Trayambak and Viadroit, Isha has managed over 10,000 IP projects for 5,000+ clients across industries. Her expertise spans patent applications, licensing agreements, and IP litigation, with a focus on bridging technical innovation and legal protection.
Through over 200 training sessions at universities and R&D teams, Isha has cultivated a culture of IP awareness. Her mentorship initiatives empower women in IP law, inspiring the next generation to excel in the field. Isha’s interdisciplinary expertise and strategic leadership ensure excellence in IP services, positioning her as a leader in the global IP landscape.

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Elizabeth Lenjo
Founder and Managing Legal Consultant at MYIP Legal Studio, Kenya


Elizabeth Lenjo’s ranking as number 6 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law celebrates her transformative contributions to IP law and her dedication to Kenya’s creative economy.
As Founder of MYIP Legal Studio, Elizabeth has shaped IP practices through adjudication, policy advocacy, and thought leadership. Her role as Chairperson of Kenya’s Copyright Tribunal has influenced landmark jurisprudence in copyright disputes and collective management.
Elizabeth’s initiatives, including Kenya’s first IP-focused blog and her leadership in the Kenya Fashion Council, highlight her commitment to accessibility and education. Her firm has delivered impactful solutions in IP, entertainment law, and anti-counterfeiting. Through mentorship and pro bono efforts, Elizabeth fosters inclusivity, inspiring future leaders in IP law.

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Onyinyechukwu Marymagdalene
Partner, Head Of Chamber And Head Of IP Litigation at Anku.Anku At-law And SN Anku IP Firm, Nigeria & Ghana


Onyinyechukwu Marymagdalene’s ranking as number 7 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law recognises her pivotal role in shaping IP law across Ghana and Nigeria.
As Partner and Head of IP Litigation at ANKU.ANKU At-Law, Onyinye has led landmark cases like Kwabena Offei-Kwadey Nkrumah v. CAF, setting significant IP precedents. Her expertise includes copyright in the digital age and trademark enforcement, addressing complex legal challenges.
Through her mentorship and publications like Monetizing Your Innovation and Creativity, Onyinye fosters education and awareness in IP law. Her firm’s pro bono services for creatives reflect her commitment to accessibility and equity. Onyinye’s dual qualifications and strategic leadership make her a critical voice in advancing innovation and justice.
Onyinye has been pivotal in landmark cases such as Kwabena Offei-Kwadey Nkrumah v. Confederation Africaine de Football and Dream Cosmetics v. Registrar of Trademarks, which have shaped IP jurisprudence in Ghana. Her expertise extends to complex IP disputes involving copyright in the digital age and enforcement of trademark rights.
An active mentor, Onyinye supports aspiring IP practitioners and law graduates through internship programs and hands-on training. She also contributes to policy development, co-authoring key publications such as the Ghana Copyright Guide and Monetizing Your Innovation and Creativity: An Introduction to Intellectual Property. Her firm provides pro bono services to financially constrained creatives and innovators, reflecting her dedication to equity and accessibility in IP law.
Her dual qualifications in Ghana and Nigeria, combined with a research-oriented approach, position Onyinye as a critical voice in IP law, driving growth, innovation, and justice in the field.

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Natasha Burhan
Senior Contract Manager at Gladwin Legal, Australia


Natasha Burhan’s ranking as number 8 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law highlights her global expertise in intellectual property law and brand protection.
Natasha specialises in trademark enforcement, and anti-counterfeiting strategies. Her early work at LegalBase in Sri Lanka included pioneering online brand protection globally and leading enforcement actions across online platforms such as e-commerce platforms, social media platforms and websites.
Natasha was recognised as a “Rising Star" 2020-2024 and "Leading Associate" in 2025. Natasha has earned accolades for her dedication and expertise in IP law.
As Senior Contract Manager at Gladwin Legal, Australia, Natasha now assists clients with IP law and corporate/commercial law related matters.
Natasha is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, advocating for women’s empowerment in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, ensuring team members feel valued and supported. With a global perspective and a proactive approach, Natasha continues to drive impactful contributions to IP law, leveraging her experience to protect brands and support her clients in navigating the complex legal landscape.

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Irmak Yalciner Oktem
Managing Partner, Patent and Trademark Attorney at Yalçiner Patent And Consulting LTD, Turkiye


Irmak Yalcıner Öktem’s ranking as number 9 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law reflects her leadership in IP litigation and industrial design law in Türkiye.
As Managing Partner at Yalçiner Patent and Consulting Ltd., Irmak has advanced IP jurisprudence through her role as a WIPO Consultant and President of AIPPI Turkey. Her contributions include global guidelines for industrial design disclosure and legislative reforms aligning with international standards.
Irmak’s mentorship and training initiatives foster professional growth in IP law, while her pro bono support for startups and students underscores her commitment to inclusivity. Recognised as an IP Star by MIP, Irmak continues to drive innovation and excellence in IP law globally.
Irmak's contributions to the IP field extend to her role as a WIPO Consultant at the Hague Unit, where she developed global guidelines for the proper disclosure of industrial designs. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping industrial design laws and advancing IP jurisprudence in Türkiye. As President of AIPPI Turkey and Chair of the AIPPI International Nominating Statutory Committee, Irmak has significantly influenced legislative reforms and policy development, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
A passionate advocate for education, Irmak has trained IP professionals through workshops and lectures at the AIPPI Türkiye IP Academy. Recognized as an IP Star by MIP, she combines her technical expertise and leadership roles to contribute meaningfully to the IP community. Through mentoring young talents and offering pro bono IP support to startups and university students, Irmak exemplifies a dedication to fostering innovation and inclusivity in the intellectual property field.

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Michele S. Katz
Founding Partner at Advitam IP, LLC, USA


Michele S. Katz’s ranking as number 10 in Impactful Litigation and Case Law celebrates her expertise as Founding Partner of ADVITAM IP, LLC.
With over 23 years of experience, Michele has achieved landmark victories in trademark and copyright cases before the Federal Circuit and TTAB. Her thought leadership includes publications on AI, social media copyright, and trademark enforcement, shaping global IP practices.
Michele’s mentorship initiatives, including programmes for young attorneys, and her philanthropic efforts, such as co-founding Plus One Adoption Foundation, exemplify her dedication to social impact. Her collaborative leadership and commitment to innovation position her as a transformative figure in the IP field.
A prolific contributor to the field, Michele regularly writes for Global IP Matrix and Women's IP World, covering topics like generative AI, social media copyright, and trademark enforcement. Her thought leadership is complemented by her hands-on mentorship initiatives, including a global program for law students and young attorneys and annual presentations at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.
Michele’s community contributions extend beyond IP law. She co-founded the Plus One Adoption Foundation, Inc., launched the Wine for Good™ philanthropic initiative, and served as President of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), advocating for women in business. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Michele fosters trust and open communication, empowering her team and clients alike.
Her dedication to excellence, mentorship, and innovation makes Michele a standout in the IP field, demonstrating how legal expertise can drive positive change in both professional and personal spheres.

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