Securing the top rank, Mrinali Menon is recognised for her extensive and practical contributions to IP education and public awareness. As a Senior IP Manager, her submission details her leadership in workshops for high school students in collaboration with INTA’s Unreal Campaign and her role as an Adjunct Instructor at Columbia University. This proven commitment to bridging the knowledge gap and fostering IP understanding across diverse audiences, from students to professionals, places her at the pinnacle of this category.

Earning a premier position, Deborah Flores Garza is celebrated for her 19-year career as a Legal and Global Director, demonstrating a deep well of expertise. While her submission was concise, her high-ranking in-house position at a major global media company, which she has held for 19 years, implies a significant level of strategic insight and influence. This placement recognises her as a key internal thought leader, shaping the IP practices and strategies of a global corporation.

Elevated to the top three, Keesha Fleming Lake earns this position based on a 23-year career dedicated to IP law and thought leadership. Her submission details a prolific record as a writer and commentator on IP reform and brand protection in emerging markets, with articles in key international publications. This, combined with her public awareness initiatives such as presentations to local schools for INTA's Unreal Campaign, confirms her as a dedicated and impactful thought leader.

A top-tier leader, Shilpi Mehta Nanda's 18-year career as a founder and attorney is marked by her contributions to IP discourse. Her submission points to her active involvement in professional associations, where she has contributed to discussions on trademark law and practice. This engagement with the wider IP community, combined with her practical experience, demonstrates her role as a contributing voice in the field.

Securing a top-five position, Clarisse de la Cerda is recognised for her 20-year career that bridges academic and legal practice. As a Professor and former in-house counsel, her submission highlights her role in educating future IP lawyers. This academic platform, which is fundamental to shaping the next generation's understanding of IP law, combined with her practical experience, solidifies her status as a key thought leader.

Stephany Balao is ranked highly for her 16-year career dedicated to the complex field of copyright and collective management. Her role at a major non-profit collecting society places her at the centre of thought leadership on authors' rights and remuneration. Her work in managing and advocating for these rights in Mexico demonstrates a deep, specialised expertise and influence.

A prominent leader, Navlin Swain's 18-year career as a Managing Partner is noted for her contributions to legal practice and education. Her submission highlights her role in both advising clients and engaging in educational initiatives. This dual focus on practical application and the dissemination of IP knowledge confirms her role as a thought leader in her professional community.

Earning her spot in the top 10, Ana Corrêa's 18-year career as a lawyer is recognised for her deep expertise and experience. Her long-standing position at a leading law firm implies a significant level of knowledge, which she contributes to both her team and clients. This role as a senior, experienced practitioner who helps guide firm strategy and practice makes her an internal thought leader.

Securing her position, Karen Fraser's 20-year career as a Director demonstrates her extensive experience in patent law. Her leadership role within a major IP firm, overseeing a team of patent attorneys, requires a high level of strategic thought and expertise. This long-term, senior-level practice, focused on guiding clients and colleagues through complex patent issues, confirms her as a key thought leader.

Rounding out the top 10, Marianna Furtado de Mendonça is recognised for her 16-year career in IP law. Her submission highlights her work in the field of Geographical Indications (GIs), a specialised and important area of IP. Her focus on this niche, combined with her public affairs work, demonstrates a commitment to advancing specific and complex areas of IP thought and practice.