Lawsuits can be daunting for those in the innovation game, and navigating the complex world of legalities can seem like a strenuous task. That's where an IPR expert comes in, but finding the right one is no easy feat. Among the handful is Nishi Shabana, Partner at Aretha Legal. Nishi has made a name for herself in IPR and counts several Fortune 500 companies among her impressive clientele. Her expertise in IP issues related to e-commerce, internet transactions, and advertising is unparalleled, and her work has been recognized by Legal 500 and RSG ranking. But Nishi isn't just a patent powerhouse - she's also passionate about promoting awareness of IP rights in India. We caught up with Nishi recently for an exclusive conversation with Women Entrepreneur India and got an intriguing insight into her journey and the work of her company.

Tell us about your early educational journey and the motivation behind your entry into IPR.

It might come as a shock but my academic background is rooted in science, having completed a B.Sc in Industrial Chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University and an M.Sc in Toxicology from Jamia Hamdard. After completing my master's, I started my career as a lecturer teaching Chemistry. Though I love teaching and I am still very passionate about it, I felt the need to explore something more. I moved to Delhi to pursue an advanced diploma course in Clinical Research Management which was a weekend course. During the weekdays, I worked with a law firm as a backend staff member. After a few months, they offered me the opportunity to explore patent law, which I found very interesting. I enjoyed the excitement of getting a sneak peek into new inventions and understanding how they would change the market. I was fascinated by the stories behind the brands, and how they were founded, built, and fought for sustenance during this time, I also discovered my passion for writing and started penning articles on trademarks and brand infringement. This experience gave me a taste of Intellectual Property (IP) law, and I decided to pursue it further, with my science background serving as an added benefit.

After completing the Clinical Research Course, I was able to have an opportunity to work with GSK for my clinical research skills. In the meantime, I qualified for the Patent Agent Exam conducted by the Patent Office and became a qualified Patent Agent. This was a turning point in my career, and I realized that my future lay in the field of IPR.

Introduce us to Aretha Legal. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as a Partner at the firm.

After leaving my job in 2018, I founded Lume Legal with one of my friends and was able to successfully take it forward. However, I soon realized that the path becomes easier if you work in a team and have the support of like-minded people, which is how Aretha was founded in November 2022 by a group of experienced people who left their high-profile positions to come together and form a team that can offer unmatched expertise in their respective fields. As a partner at Aretha, my responsibilities include growing the IP practice and expanding our portfolio while also working closely with my like-minded colleagues to handle every aspect of the business.

With our combined skills and knowledge, we are able to assist clients in various areas, ranging from corporate commercial, and litigation to trademarks, copyrights, patents, and more. Our primary focus is on litigation, and we have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.

At Aretha, we believe that as a team, we can achieve more than we ever could on an individual basis and provide the best possible solutions to our clients.

Throw some light on the most crucial business challenges you encounter as an IPR attorney.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology has been one of the most pressing challenges. When I started out in 2008, the legal industry was still very much rooted in traditional methods, but with the rise of technology and online platforms, everything changed. You had to adapt to evolving technologies. My first case was an infringement and misrepresentation of brands on marketplaces like Amazon, which highlighted the importance of e-commerce platforms and online advertising.

"Protecting innovation is not just a legal obligation, it is a responsibility"

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, staying ahead of the curve and applying IP laws virtually is crucial yet challenging. It requires out-of-the-box thinking to adapt to new technologies such as Metaverse, blockchain, and AI, where it's not always clear who the creator or inventor is. Despite the challenges, I believe that embracing these new technologies is key to staying competitive in the industry.

In our firm, we are constantly striving to stay technologically advanced, particularly in the areas of blockchain, AI, and NFTs. By staying at the forefront of these technologies, we can provide our clients with the most up-to-date and effective strategies.

What has been your success mantra? What advice would you give to other young women?

I believe in the power of perseverance and continuous learning. It's important not to be afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed. Learning and adapting is key to achieving success in any field. Self-motivation is key in moving forward. When you start on your own, it's important to have something that drives you, a personal goal that you're committed to achieving. How motivated and consistent you are in your work will determine your success. So, keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams.

Nishi Shabana, Partner, Aretha Legal

A seasoned IPR attorney with over 15 years of experience in all aspects of trademarks, patents, copyright, and design prosecution. Nishi has evolved her practice to cover commercial and civil litigation, as well as advising on negotiations, agreements, and mergers and acquisitions involving IP.