Shilpi Mehta Nanda’s ranking as number 1 under Legal Expertise and Innovation underscores her remarkable impact on intellectual property law and her commitment to fostering innovation. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Attorneys, she has achieved groundbreaking success in landmark cases like Om Logistics Ltd. vs. Mahendra Pandey, which shaped legal norms around cultural symbols. Her collaborative policy work with the UK Intellectual Property Office and India’s Bureau of Indian Standards has reinforced global IP frameworks. Through her mentorship initiatives, Shilpi empowers first-generation women lawyers and nurtures talent in IP law, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the field. With expertise spanning international jurisdictions and academic credentials from the US and UK, Shilpi bridges complex global IP challenges, continually redefining leadership and innovation within the industry.

Deepa Bavishi’s ranking as number 2 under Legal Expertise and Innovation highlights her pivotal role as a leader in fintech IP law, with 18 years of experience in intellectual property strategies. As IP Counsel at Online PSB Loans Ltd., she has driven the development of innovative patents and trademarks, strengthening the company’s competitive edge globally. Deepa’s leadership extends to creating robust IP management frameworks that align legal strategies with cutting-edge financial technologies. Her mentorship of emerging IP professionals fosters a proactive approach to protecting intellectual assets, contributing to the growth of her team and the wider industry. Beyond her corporate contributions, Deepa champions IP policies for emerging industries, addressing challenges in fintech and AI. Her visionary leadership ensures that innovation thrives within the legal framework, making her a transformative figure in the IP sector.

Erin McEwen’s ranking as number 3 under Legal Expertise and Innovation celebrates her extensive contributions to intellectual property law, with 25 years of expertise as a distinguished trademark agent. At Nelligan Law, she has pioneered strategies for complex trademark prosecution, including groundbreaking work in the cannabis industry and advocacy for Aboriginal IP rights. Erin’s dedication to cultural equity is reflected in her work shaping policies that safeguard Indigenous heritage and navigating compliance challenges under Quebec’s Bill 96. Her leadership in these areas has set a new standard for inclusivity in IP law. As a passionate mentor and active member of INTA’s Indigenous Rights Committee, Erin fosters the next generation of IP professionals while advancing global IP policies. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and equity makes her a trailblazer in the legal community.

Dr. Claudia Milbradt’s ranking as number 4 under Legal Expertise and Innovation reflects her transformative impact on intellectual property law, with over 25 years of expertise. As Head of IP Germany and Co-Head of the Global IP Group at Clifford Chance, she has led major patent litigation cases, including Pfizer vs. GSK, while advising on cutting-edge issues like AI, blockchain, and metaverse technologies. Her leadership has significantly expanded the firm’s global IP practice, earning recognition in JUVE Patent UPC litigation rankings. Claudia is a dedicated mentor, fostering inclusivity and empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond her legal achievements, Claudia’s pro bono initiatives, including support for NGOs like Welthungerhilfe, highlight her commitment to societal impact. She exemplifies visionary leadership in IP law, advancing innovation and diversity while driving excellence across the industry.

Beatriz Ayala’s ranking as number 5 under Legal Expertise and Innovation celebrates her trailblazing career in intellectual property law, spanning over three decades. As the founder of Ayala & Asociados, she pioneered Fashion Law in Venezuela, achieving milestones like securing the nation’s first applied artwork registration and patents for sustainable textiles now used by global brands. Her impact extends to education, where she introduced Fashion Law programmes at Venezuela’s leading universities, inspiring a new generation of legal professionals. Beatriz has also played a vital role in shaping IP policies through her work with ASIPI and INTA. Her dedication to pro bono initiatives, including mentoring entrepreneurs through ACELERA UCAB, reflects her passion for fostering creativity and innovation. Beatriz’s influence in academia, practice, and policy-making cements her legacy as a transformative leader in IP law. Her contributions extend to education, where she launched Fashion Law programs at top Venezuelan universities, fostering a new generation of legal professionals in this emerging field. Internationally, she has represented Venezuela in ASIPI and INTA, contributing to global IP discourse and shaping regional policies. Beatriz’s pro bono efforts, including mentoring entrepreneurs through programs like ACELERA UCAB, underscore her commitment to supporting creativity and innovation. Recognized by prestigious awards like Chambers Latin America, her influence spans academia, practice, and policy, making her a transformative figure in IP law.

Nouf Ali S. Algazlan’s ranking as number 6 under Legal Expertise and Innovation reflects her exceptional academic achievements and professional contributions to IP law. Currently pursuing a PhD at City University of London, her research addresses critical issues like copyrightable subject matter and patent waivers, tackling global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As a graduate teaching assistant and associate editor for the City Law Forum, Nouf has published impactful works on emerging IP topics and mentored aspiring legal professionals. Her accolades, including the Hart Publishing Prize, showcase her influence in academia and the legal field. Nouf actively promotes diversity and inclusion, mentoring underrepresented voices and providing pro bono support to startups. Her innovative research and societal impact position her as a rising leader in intellectual property law.

Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald’s ranking as number 7 under Legal Expertise and Innovation highlights her leadership in Life Sciences, Intellectual Property, and ICT law. As head of these practices at Schellenberg Wittmer in Geneva, she advises startups, multinationals, and international organisations on IP strategy, R&D, and compliance. Her standout contributions include crafting legal frameworks for NFTs in the luxury sector, advising medical institutions on sensitive data projects, and assisting in the COVAX No-Fault Compensation Program. Stéphanie’s role as President of the Geneva Bar Association’s Innovation Commission underscores her dedication to advancing modern IP practices. Through her lectures, publications, and client-focused approach, Stéphanie addresses emerging topics like AI, NFTs, and digital finance, shaping the future of intellectual property law.

Toritseju Dottie’s ranking as number 8 under Legal Expertise and Innovation celebrates her 18 years of strategic counsel in intellectual property law. As a Partner at ALN Nigeria Aluko and Oyebode, she advises global clients like IBM and Godrej International, safeguarding their IP rights across Sub-Saharan Africa. Toritseju’s expertise spans trademark protection, trade dress, and IP strategy in the digital age, earning her recognition as a thought leader in the field. Her contributions extend to policy-making through her involvement with INTA and ECTA, influencing copyright laws and trade discussions. A dedicated mentor, she empowers young lawyers and fosters innovation within her team. Toritseju’s transformative leadership continues to make a profound impact on the IP landscape. Her work spans critical areas like protecting trademarks against dilution, pioneering legal strategies for trade dress, and ensuring compliance with technological advancements. A member of prestigious associations like INTA and ECTA, she actively contributes to shaping copyright policies and trade discussions. Beyond her practice, Toritseju mentors young lawyers, fostering growth and innovation within her team. Her transformative leadership and commitment to advancing IP law make her a standout figure in the field.

Paramee Kerativitayanan’s ranking as number 9 under Legal Expertise and Innovation reflects her exceptional career in intellectual property law, focusing on trademarks, brand protection, and IP enforcement. As a Partner at ZICO IP Thailand, she has guided multinational clients through complex IP strategies and enforcement actions across Asia. Her achievements include recognition as a Trailblazer by WIPR Influential Women and leadership roles with INTA’s Unfair Competition Committee. Paramee actively promotes IP awareness through lectures, mentoring, and pro bono work with startups, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Known for her collaborative leadership and strategic thinking, Paramee is dedicated to advancing IP protections and strengthening the global innovation landscape. Paramee's achievements include recognition as a Trailblazer by WIPR Influential Women 2024 and multiple leadership roles, including serving on INTA’s Unfair Competition Committee. She actively promotes IP awareness by mentoring young lawyers, delivering university lectures, and offering pro bono IP services to startups. Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative leadership, Paramee is dedicated to advancing IP law while fostering innovation and strengthening IP protections globally.

Clarisse De La Cerda’s ranking as number 10 under Legal Expertise and Innovation recognises her groundbreaking work at the intersection of intellectual property and technology. As Head of Legal at Lava Labs and an independent researcher, she has led litigation strategies in global video game copyright cases and designed innovative frameworks for open-source software compliance. Her dual commitment to academia and practice is evident in her lectures at prestigious institutions like Peking University and her recognition among WIPR’s “50 Most Influential Women in IP.” Clarisse is a passionate advocate for diversity, mentoring underrepresented voices in law and empowering the next generation of IP professionals. Her work continues to shape global IP frameworks and inspire meaningful progress in the industry. Clarisse’s dual commitment to academia and practice is evident in her lectures at prestigious institutions such as Peking University and Washington University. Her accolades, including recognition among WIPR's "50 Most Influential Women in IP" and the "Best Lawyers in Brazil," underscore her impact. Beyond her achievements, Clarisse champions mentoring and diversity, empowering the next generation of IP professionals while advocating for underrepresented voices in law. Her journey, spanning continents and disciplines, continues to shape the global IP landscape.