Claudette Vernot’s ranking as number 1 in Academic and Research Excellence highlights her transformative contributions to intellectual property enforcement and research. As Director at Estrategia Jurídica, Claudette has tackled the misuse of IP by criminal networks, using innovative approaches to disrupt activities like money laundering and contraband. Her work has led to freezing assets and prosecuting IP-related criminal actions, significantly strengthening enforcement frameworks. She has conducted capacity-building programs at Colombia’s ports, training officials in IP enforcement and collaborating with the General Prosecutor’s Office to achieve landmark legal victories. Claudette’s leadership within INTA and NGOs underscores her commitment to global collaboration, making her a pioneer in IP research and enforcement.

Christine Strutt’s ranking as number 2 in Academic and Research Excellence reflects her dedication to intellectual property law and digital governance. As Partner at Von Seidels, Christine has spent 17 years building Africa’s third-largest IP firm and championing brand owners’ interests online. Her leadership on INTA’s Internet Committee has advanced IP rights through forums like the World Summit on Information Society, addressing domain name abuse and fostering safer digital ecosystems. A consistent presence in Managing IP’s Top 250 Women in IP, Christine mentors female associates and supports local IP professionals across Africa. Her commitment to nurturing talent and advocating for IP in the digital age cements her as a leader in academic and research excellence.

Ms. Anomi Wanigasekera’s ranking as number 3 in Academic and Research Excellence celebrates her four decades of leadership in intellectual property law in Sri Lanka. As Partner at Julius & Creasy, she has guided multinationals in landmark cases and shaped IP enforcement frameworks. Her recognition in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame and as INTA Anti-Counterfeit Subcommittee Chair highlights her impact on global collaboration to combat counterfeiting. Anomi has also played a key role in legislative contributions, mentoring professionals, and fostering Sri Lanka’s IP landscape. Her dedication to academic growth and IP development ensures her enduring influence in the field.

Mrs. Pooja Kumar’s ranking as number 4 in Academic and Research Excellence highlights her pioneering efforts in intellectual property rights (IPR) and education. As Founder of Innove Intellects LLP, she has filed nearly 2,000 patents in diverse sectors and conducted over 300 global IP awareness programs. Pooja has mentored startups, universities, and students, promoting innovation and technology transfer across India and beyond. Her accolades, including the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Women Entrepreneur Award, underscore her impact. Through advocacy, mentorship, and policy contributions, Pooja continues to shape the global IP landscape and inspire future innovators.

Claudia Maria Zeraik’s ranking as number 5 in Academic and Research Excellence recognises her 35 years of leadership in intellectual property law. As Head of the International Department at Montaury Pimenta, Machado & Vieira de Mello, Claudia has managed high-profile cases involving counterfeiting, domain name disputes, and trade dress matters. Her published works and leadership roles in global IP associations like INTA and AIPPI showcase her thought leadership. Recognised by WIPR and World Trademark Review, Claudia’s mentorship and advocacy for IP law have advanced innovation and diversity, positioning her as a trusted leader in the field.

Carolina Caetano’s ranking as number 6 in Academic and Research Excellence highlights her impactful contributions to trademark law and policy in Brazil. As Head of Trademark Prosecution at Licks Attorneys, Carolina manages large trademark portfolios and has played a pivotal role in landmark cases like registering Kodansha’s Attack on Titan trademark. She actively shapes policies through INTA and ABAPI, influencing national and global IP frameworks. Carolina’s mentorship and collaborative leadership style have doubled her team’s size, fostering growth and innovation. Her published works and advocacy for diversity underscore her influence as a leader in IP academia and practice.

Antonina Pakharenko-Anderson’s ranking as number 7 in Academic and Research Excellence reflects her lifelong contributions to intellectual property law and education. As Managing Partner at Pakharenko & Partners, Antonina has authored numerous articles on IP law and policy, significantly shaping legal practice and research in Ukraine. She has also played a key role in public policy development, contributing to Ukraine’s National Strategy for the Development of the Sphere of Intellectual Property and other legislative reforms. Antonina’s leadership in initiatives like the Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Piracy Days, which have educated tens of thousands of people, underscores her commitment to fostering awareness and respect for IP rights. Her accolades, including recognition in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame and WTR Global Leaders, affirm her as a transformative figure in IP education and advocacy.

Ting (Tina) Nan’s ranking as number 8 in Academic and Research Excellence reflects her transformative leadership in intellectual property practices across Asia. As Managing Partner at Cohorizon IP Attorneys, she has expanded the firm to 12 offices across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Her achievements include securing the China Patent Gold Award and conducting IP training programs to advance education. Tina’s mentorship and advocacy for underprivileged students, combined with her leadership in prominent IP organisations, demonstrate her commitment to innovation and diversity. Her vision continues to inspire and shape the IP landscape regionally and globally.

Fernanda Vilela Coelho’s ranking as number 9 in Academic and Research Excellence highlights her 23 years of expertise in intellectual property law. As Managing Partner at VilelaCoelho IP, Fernanda has guided clients through robust IP prosecution, enforcement, and strategic management. Her leadership in ASPI and AIPPI promotes diversity and equity within the IP community, shaping global IP policies. Recognised by WTR and Leaders League, Fernanda’s approachable leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation. Her dedication to mentoring and championing inclusivity cements her as a notable figure in IP academia and practice.

Shimako Kato’s ranking as number 10 in Academic and Research Excellence celebrates her profound impact on patent litigation and legal scholarship. As Partner at Abe, Ikubo and Katayama, Shimako has over 25 years of expertise, including landmark cases like Nippon Paper Crecia vs. Daio Paper. Her dual experience as a Patent Examiner and Appeal Examiner provides unique insights into patent law. Shimako’s scholarly articles and mentoring initiatives have shaped discourse and fostered talent within the industry. Her recognition by IP Stars and Chambers underscores her contributions to advancing both academic and practical aspects of intellectual property law.