By Adesina Wahab

Christianah Olawumi Akinyemi, a trailblazer in the field of intellectual property (IP) law, is leading the charge for businesses and governments to prioritize IP awareness and compliance in an increasingly digital world.

With a deep commitment to ensuring that intellectual property serves as both a legal safeguard and a cornerstone for innovation, Christianah has become one of the foremost advocates for IP protection in the digital economy.

“In today’s digital economy, intellectual property is the backbone of innovation. Protecting it is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral and economic necessity,” Christianah emphasized during a keynote address. “As we continue to advance technologically, intellectual property will serve as the currency for future innovation, and ensuring its protection is essential to fostering creativity, investment, and growth across industries.”

Christianah’s journey into law began at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree, graduating with Second Class Honors (Upper Division). Her academic prowess was further solidified when she attended the Nigerian Law School and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar. These initial experiences provided Christianah with the foundational training in corporate and property law, setting her on a clear path toward intellectual property law, an area that would become her professional passion.

Early in her career, Christianah served as an Associate at Tokunbo Olugbenga and Co, a position that allowed her to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of Intellectual Property law. During her time there, she worked on trademark registrations, IP dispute resolution, and risk assessments for businesses looking to safeguard their intellectual assets. It was here that Christianah’s passion for intellectual property truly took root. “The formative years spent handling trademark disputes and registrations taught me the vital role intellectual property plays in business success,” she recalls. “It’s not just about protecting creative works it’s about securing the future of businesses and empowering them to innovate.”

One notable case that exemplifies Christianah’s skill in IP law was her involvement in assisting a growing fashion brand, “Royal Minds’, with trademark registration and risk assessment. The client sought legal counsel to secure a trademark for their newly developed logo and brand name but was concerned about the potential risks of infringing on an existing trademark in a similar industry. Christianah led the trademark search and analysis, evaluating potential conflicts with existing marks and providing strategic advice to mitigate risks.

Christianah’s legal journey took another significant step when she became the Assistant Manager, Legal and Administration at kings Guards Nigeria Limited, a major player in the company. In her capacity as the legal and Admin, she was responsible for advising on Intellectual Property licensing agreements, drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Through this role, she developed a sophisticated understanding of the complex relationship between Intellectual Property and corporate governance. She navigated high-stakes negotiations and worked alongside multinational corporations to ensure their Intellectual Property portfolios were properly protected in the global market.

As Christianah’s career progressed, so did her academic ambitions. Her determination to advance in Intellectual Property law led her to pursue a Program on Intellectual Property  Technology Law  at American University Washington College of Law. This prestigious pursuit not only solidified her expertise in the field but also provided her with the opportunity to engage in advanced, cutting-edge research at the crossroads of Intellectual Property technology, and global policy. Christianah’s academic excellence also earned her a leadership role as Vice President of Operations for the LL.M Board at American University Washington college of law. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in facilitating important conversations about Intellectual Property rights, technology, and innovation, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas between students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Christianah is a passionate advocate for justice, fairness, and governance in the legal profession. She has served on the Caretaker Committee of the Young Lawyers’ Forum of Nigeria, where she worked to advocate for the rights of young lawyers and promote better governance within the legal profession. Her commitment to these causes is also reflected in her membership in several esteemed organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb, UK). These roles have allowed Christianah to impact the legal landscape, advocate for policies that foster equitable access to legal services, and provide mentorship to aspiring lawyers.

The digital age has brought with it a host of new challenges for Intellectual Property professionals. Issues such as cybercrime, digital piracy, and the rapid pace of technological innovation demand an integrated and forward-thinking approach to IP protection. Christianah strongly believes that collaboration among legal professionals, governments, and businesses is key to developing effective solutions for these challenges. “We must work together to create a global framework that balances the rights of creators with the public’s access to knowledge,” she stated during an international conference on digital piracy. “This requires rethinking current frameworks and ensuring that Intellectual Property Law evolves in step with new technologies.”

Christianah’s vision extends beyond the protection of Intellectual Property. She advocates for systems that encourage innovation while fostering economic growth on a global scale. “Intellectual property is not just about ownership; it’s about creating an environment that encourages investment, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas,” she explains. “A robust IP system is essential for building a knowledge-based economy that drives global progress.”

Another one of Christianah’s passions is mentoring and empowering young legal professionals, especially those interested in pursuing careers in Intellectual Property and Technology Law. Through her mentorship initiatives, Christianah has provided invaluable guidance to many young lawyers, encouraging them to explore the exciting opportunities within the evolving field of IP law. “The next generation of lawyers must be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to address the challenges of a digital world,” she says. “By fostering the growth of young IP lawyers, we can create a new wave of legal professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age.”

As the digital revolution continues to reshape industries across the globe, Christianah’s contributions to the field of Intellectual Property Law are making a lasting impact. Her ability to blend her legal expertise with technological innovation positions her as a rising leader in the global legal community. Christianah’s work is a testament to the growing importance of Intellectual Property as a key driver of both business success and societal progress.

With a career marked by numerous honors and recognitions, Christianah remains steadfast in her mission to advance Intellectual Property rights in a global context. Through her advocacy, leadership, and mentorship, she is shaping the future of Intellectual Property Law and its role in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Christianah Akinyemi’s voice is one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire change and drive innovation in the legal field for years to come.