Overview
With a background in Computer Science and software engineering, Anita is a dual-qualified European and UK Chartered Patent Attorney with more than 20 years of in-house experience in Big Tech and the automotive sector. She brings deep, practical expertise in protecting and commercializing innovation in fast-moving, complex technical fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data. Anita works closely with engineering, legal, and commercial teams to build and execute effective IP strategies. Her practice includes:
- Leading the end-to-end IP strategy for emerging technologies at a global tech company, from invention harvesting to patent prosecution and portfolio management
- Supporting large-scale licensing, collaboration, and M&A deals with strategic IP input, including negotiation and due diligence
- Advising on IP-related compliance and regulatory issues across data-driven and safety-critical technologies, including AI and an automotive-related Initial Public Offering
- Developing IP training and awareness programs for engineering and commercial teams to encourage innovation capture and process alignment across all IP rights (patents, trade secrets, copyright)
- Contributing to regulatory and policy-setting discussions including with government bodies around software patents, emerging technology, open source and Standards
- Handling contentious patent issues around IP enforcement and defense
- Collaborating with PR, Communications and Marketing teams on IP and branding issues relating to go-to-market strategy
Experience
Anita is known for her hands-on, cross-functional approach, having worked embedded within engineering and product teams for much of her career. She has a strong track record of aligning IP strategy with business goals, enabling companies to capture value, reduce risk, and stay competitive. In addition to her technical and legal work, Anita is deeply committed to advancing the IP profession. She regularly mentors aspiring patent professionals, delivers STEM-focused career talks, and has served as an Examiner for the European Qualifying Examinations at the European Patent Institute.
Anita holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Portsmouth, where she was one of only twenty students selected for an integrated degree that combined full-time academic study with hands-on experience as a software engineer at IBM. She earned her Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law with Merit from Queen Mary University of London.