Changemakers: Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer Lakshmidevi Somanath Shares Passion for Creating a More Equitable Society in the Digital Era
“Women are known to remain unflappable in the face of adversity and approach challenges in work with a determined and resourceful mindset.” Today’s woman dreamer, Lakshmidevi Somanath, is an award-winning intellectual property lawyer. An alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, India. she served as a Judge in the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Government of India and adjudicated in numerous cases on several key trademark law issues. She also received the Legal Era Woman Lawyer of the Year Award. With a passion for creating positive societal change, Lakshimidevi shares her career journey, and her hopes for women in the legal sector. Enjoy!
1. Tell us your story. You have had an incredible journey, currently an intellectual property lawyer. You are an alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, India. You served as a Judge in the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Government of India and adjudicated in numerous cases on several key trademark law issues. Tell us more about your journey, and what you learned along the way?
My journey through the first year of law school was the usual student blend of cluelessness, self-doubt, occasional flashes of accidental prowess and good professors. Towards the end of the first year, I joined the Moot Court Society and participated in and won various national and international mock court competitions (the Afro-Asian International Moot Court Competition, 1999 and the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, 2000). In the Jessup, I emerged as the best speaker from India, and the 16th among 400 participants worldwide. These competitions broadened my legal horizon.
After my LLM, I embarked on a journey with Surana & Surana International Attorneys, for two years in their intellectual property practice. Thereafter, I took a leap of faith and established my independent practice, alongside my spouse, N. Surya Senthil. Throughout this period, I had the privilege of advocating before the High Courts and tribunals in a wide range of civil matters, and my practice predominantly revolved around intellectual property and constitutional law matters. A diverse clientele allowed me to navigate the intricate intersection of street-level advocacy and corporate legal challenges, further enriching my experience as a legal practitioner.
In August 2020, I was appointed as a member of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), Government of India, alongside three other exceptional individuals. My tenure as a member judge with the IPAB under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan Singh, presented me with an incredible opportunity to contribute to the adjudication of intellectual property disputes on a national scale.
Following this I am now Partner heading the Intellectual Property Practice of Surana & Surana International Attorneys. I appear before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Intellectual Property litigations and oversee the entire spectrum of IP filing, prosecution, and transactional work, ensuring that the IP rights of companies, individuals, creators and innovators are protected and upheld.
The high-stakes nature of IP litigation demands a meticulous approach, extensive legal research, and persuasive argumentation. With every suit, I strive to bring forth my understanding of the law, coupled with a strategic mindset. It is both a challenging and rewarding experience that allows me to contribute to the development of IP jurisprudence and the advancement of legal principles in this specialized field.
As I reflect on my legal voyage till date, I can't help but appreciate the whimsical nature of fate and the unexpected twists and turns it brings. The decisions we, as women, take at every turn is a testament to our resilience and adaptability. Each step taken, strives to balance our personal and professional journey, and contributes to the rich tapestry of experiences that shapes our identities. My journey instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and unflinchingly believing in your goals even and especially when you are hardest hit.
2. How do you seek to use your legal expertise to help and empower women?
Intellectual property encompasses various forms of intangible assets, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. By assisting women in legally securing and defending their intellectual property rights, I have enabled women to fully realize the economic value of their ideas and creative works. I provide legal advice, file intellectual property applications, and represent women in intellectual property disputes.
I also try my utmost to contribute to empowering women through my involvement in legal education and awareness initiatives. By enhancing a woman's knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks, I equip them with the tools necessary to navigate the complex legal landscape and safeguard their intellectual property assets. I am a Facilitator in the CII-TNTDPC IP Forum, Mentor in the Founder Institute, and a regular guest speaker at various institutions and fora. Many of my speaking engagements, workshops, and seminars are aimed at educating women about their legal rights and the importance of intellectual property protection.
I also mentor and guide aspiring women in the legal profession, particularly those interested in intellectual property law, by sharing my knowledge and experiences with them.
3. You have won numerous accolades for your work. What motivates you? And how do you deal with challenges that come up in your work?
As a legal professional specializing in intellectual property law, I recognize the power of ideas, creativity, and innovation. I understand the immense value that intellectual property holds and how it can shape individuals' lives and economic opportunities. This recognition inspires me to help individuals and companies to protect and assert their intellectual property rights.
My motivation also stems from my aspiration to challenge and reform existing norms and practices. I recognize the systemic barriers and biases that women face in various aspects of their lives, including the legal system. In my professional life, I try my best to dismantle these barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.
Ultimately, my inspiration lies in the transformational power of the law, as an effective tool to advance positive change, protect individuals' rights, and create a more equitable society in the digital era.
Women are known to remain unflappable in the face of adversity and approach challenges in work with a determined and resourceful mindset. When faced with challenges in my work, I approach them with a lighthearted perspective.
4. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
I am a great deal proud of my small ‘drop in the ocean’ contribution to promoting and protecting the intellectual property rights of individuals and businesses at large. In 2022, I was fortunate to be awarded the Legal Era Woman Lawyer of the Year Award. In 2023, I have been named one of the leading individuals in IP in India by Asia-Pacific Legal 500 and the World Trademark Review 1000. I have assisted numerous clients in securing trademarks, copyrights, and patents, enabling them to safeguard their creative assets and commercial interests. This gives me an immense sense of satisfaction.
5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
I would like to establish a platform or organization dedicated to promoting women's empowerment in the legal field and beyond. Building upon my extensive experience in intellectual property law and my commitment to gender equality, I aspire to create a space could empower women to navigate the unique challenges they may face and help them unlock their full potential as intellectual property professionals.
In the coming years, I also hope to contribute to policy discussions and advocate for systemic changes that create a more equitable and inclusive legal system, not only in intellectual property law but across various legal domains.I also look forward to playing a significant role in shaping global conversations surrounding intellectual property rights and protection.