Dr. Latika, a distinguished professional with a PhD in Chemistry from Rajasthan University and a CSIR (NET) JRF in Chemical Science, has over 14 years of expertise in patent examination, particularly in pharmaceuticals and chemistry-related inventions. Currently serving as the Group Leader of the Chemistry Group at the Mumbai Patent Office, she has played a pivotal role in examining patents, issuing First Examination Reports, conducting hearings, and handling pre-grant and post-grant oppositions.

Dr. Latika is renowned for her landmark decision in rejecting Johnson & Johnson’s patent for the salt form of bedaquiline, a TB drug, which led to J&J’s decision to not enforce patents in 134 low- and middle-income countries. She has represented India at global platforms, including WHO workshops, and has seven international publications to her credit. A dedicated trainer and contributor to NIIPAM 2.0, Dr. Latika is a leading expert in intellectual property and public health.

Loreto Bresky, a dedicated Chilean lawyer, currently serves as Senior Director in the PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Department is responsible for the development of PCT as the central node of the international patent system and for supporting PCT system stakeholders, including Member States, the user community, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Prior to joining WIPO, Loreto held the position of Director General of the Chilean IP Office for five years. She also has extensive experience in the private sector spanning over two decades, during which she worked with two prominent law firms.

Loreto's dedication to her field extends beyond her professional roles. She has served on the Board of the Chilean IP Association ACHIPI, the Pro Bono Foundation, and the ChileMujeres Foundation. Her active involvement with the Chilean Bar Association further demonstrates her dedication to making an impact for the benefit of society.

Dr. Amar Desai is Sr. General Manager – Global IP at Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (ZLL), where he leads a team of Intellectual Property professionals. With 20 years of extensive experience across diverse facets of IP, he has successfully drafted and prosecuted over 425 patent applications worldwide, securing more than 105 granted patents to his credit.

He holds a Doctorate from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, is a registered Indian Patent Agent, and has further strengthened his legal expertise with a PG Diploma in Patent Law (NALSAR University) and an LL.B. from Sardar Patel University.

Dr. Desai is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, having delivered invited talks and presentations at national and international conferences, academic institutions, and industry forums across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara. He has been a member of the Advisory Panel to the IPR Law & Research Centre at Manipal Law School, Bengaluru, and recently contributed at the 14th Pharma IPR (Mar 2025, Mumbai). He also serves on advisory boards of academic institutions, helping design industry-relevant curricula.

His expertise spans infringement analysis, Freedom to Operate (FTO), polymorphism, litigation, patent drafting and prosecution, due diligence, regulatory filings, and Para IV filings. He has shared insights at the 11th–14th Pharma IPR events and at the World Intellectual Property Forum (WIPF), where he spoke on Artificial Intelligence in Biopharmaceuticals.

With his deep technical knowledge and strategic vision, Dr. Desai continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the IP landscape for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.

Aarti Deodhar has 20+years of work experience in IP. She joined Cipla in 2004. Currently she manages the Intellectual Property department at Cipla.

She has a Bachelors in Pharmacy, LLb , a post-graduate diploma in patent law and is an MBA (Exec) from SPJain School of Global Management.

Seasoned and Strategic Portfolio & Intellectual Property Management Professional with 23 years of vast experience in the field and presently associated with Biocon Ltd. Bangalore as Global Head - Intellectual Property & Portfolio Management, and a member of Senior Leadership Team. Responsible for driving delivery and excellence across markets globally.

Holds the distinction in driving change and formulating IP policies for the organization including Publication Policy and SOPs. Participated as speaker and panelist at various conferences/workshops including educational institutes. Conferred with various awards and recognitions including the “Chairman's Excellence Team Award 2020” @ Dr Reddy’s.

Dr. Alok Tripathi is a distinguished pharmaceutical IP leader with 25+ years of experience at the intersection of intellectual property, R&D, and product portfolio strategy for regulated markets. He currently serves as Senior Vice President – Portfolio, IP & Project Management at Centaur Pharmaceuticals. A Registered Indian Patent Agent and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, he is widely recognized for his expertise in Paragraph IV/FTF strategies, patent litigation support, and freedom-to-operate assessments. Dr. Tripathi has played a pivotal role in high-stakes US patent litigations and first-to-file ANDA successes, including a 180-days exclusivity launch in USA. He has authored 225+ patent applications, is an inventor on 100 filings, and holds 66 granted Indian patents, and is a regular contributor to global pharma IPR forums, CPHI and DCAT.

With over 18 years of extensive experience in pharmaceutical and biopharma patent management, Anagha specializes in Hatch-Waxman litigation, IP strategy, and due diligence, complemented by a deep understanding of regulated markets from an intellectual property perspective. Having worked with leading organizations in the past, she currently leads the Intellectual Property department at Rising Pharmaceuticals.

Anagha holds a post-graduate degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology, along with an LL.B degree from the University of Mumbai. As a registered Indian Patent Agent, she has also completed advanced courses in Patent Management, Intellectual Property, and Contract Law from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. Her expertise in patent law has been widely recognized through contributions to global conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Anil Patel is a member of the firm’s IP Litigation practice group and serves as the Managing Partner of Houston Office. Anil focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. He has served as lead counsel in numerous high stakes Hatch Waxman and ANDA matters, with comprehensive experience spanning Markman proceedings, Daubert challenges, expert examination, and all phases of complex patent litigation. Anil holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, which provides a strong scientific foundation to advise on regulatory exclusivities, patent licensing, and IP due diligence involving sophisticated life sciences technologies. He has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star in Intellectual Property Litigation.

Asheesh Ratna Saxena, Senior IP Lead & Deputy General Manager at Sun Pharma, is a seasoned IP professional with over 18 years of experience in Intellectual Property law and strategy. In his current role, he leads IP litigation for emerging markets, delivering strategic wins through innovative IP strategies. He also drives identification of IP-based early product launch opportunities and has successfully enabled the launch of several blockbuster pharmaceutical products. Previously, Asheesh spearheaded patent prosecution and portfolio expansion, securing key patents across geographies and strengthening Sun Pharma’s global IP position.

Harish Chandran Avaronnan is a registered Patent Agent. He has a PhD in biochemistry from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad, India. He also has an Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management (EPGCSM) from IIM Kozhikode.

Harish enjoys combining his technical background in science with the legal aspects of intellectual property (IP) and the commercial aspects of licensing and strategy to add value to projects and organizations he is involved with.

Harish is currently Head of Intellectual Property and Licensing, India, at Novonesis (formerly Novozymes), where he has been for the last 17 years, in various roles within IP. At Novonesis, he leads a team that handles patent related search and analyses, prepares and prosecutes patent applications and helps with collaboration with various Indian institutes and corporations.

His previous work experiences include being a patent examiner at the Patent Office (Govt. of India) in Kolkata and Mumbai and as an assistant Manager at the IP departments in Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Panacea Biotec Ltd.

Bishram Singh Chauhan is heading the global branded portfolio-IP at Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. He has rich experience of seventeen years in the field of IPR and is qualified Indian Patent Agent. He pursued Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, with Senior Research Fellowship granted by Indian Council of Medical Research. He started his professional career as medicinal chemist and after working couple of years in medicinal research he moved to the field of Intellectual Property. He had association with major Indian pharma company like Zydus, Alembic, Wokhardt, IPCA Labs and Dr Reddy’s Lab where he was responsible for IP related to APIs, NCEs and formulations. He is associated with Sun for last 10 years with various responsibilities.

In his current role, he is responsible for controlling the global IP for branded products including NCEs and 505(b)(2) products. He is also responsible for developing the LCM strategies for the Brands which include measures to increase the market exclusivity. He also looks after the due-diligence activity for in-licensing, out-licensing and transactions on asset purchases.

On personal front, he loves to play sports with Badminton, cricket and swimming being his favorite games. He also loves to listen to music.

Chad A. Landmon chairs the Hatch-Waxman & Biologics practice group at Polsinelli. Chad's practice uniquely combines his litigation experience with a deep understanding of navigating the complex FDA regulatory landscape. He serves as first chair trial counsel in patent disputes while also handling FDA citizen petitions and litigations involving marketing exclusivities, patent listings, bioequivalence, labeling and other critical FDA approval issues. He works with clients spanning pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and human tissue products with billions of dollars in annual sales. Chad also manages cases involving the cross-section of antitrust and patent law, particularly those arising from settlements of patent disputes and Hatch-Waxman Act exclusivity disputes. Chad is recognized among the world’s leading patent litigators by IAM Patent 1000, Benchmark Litigation and Law360. Chad graduated, with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law and is admitted to the Connecticut and District of Columbia Bar.

Dan Byrne is a Partner and Barrister in Venner Shipley’s Litigation and Licensing team, with a key focus on the pharmaceutical sector. His technical background includes his first-class degree in molecular biology and biochemistry from the University of Durham.

Dan is an experienced litigator in the IP courts and has been involved in a significant number of pharmaceutical cases, several with pan-European aspects. Many of Dan’s cases have involved biosimilars and/or supplementary protection certificates. He also practised for two years in Paris and, while there, dealt with a number of significant pharmaceutical cases. Dan works closely with the firm’s patent attorneys to give clients the best technical and legal service.

Mr. Dhaval Dhulia is currently associated with JAMP Pharma Group, a leading Canadian pharmaceutical organization with a diversified presence across the healthcare value chain. The JAMP Pharma Group operates through multiple business verticals, including JAMP Pharma (Generics), Orimed (Branded Pharmaceuticals), Wampole and Laboratoire Suisse (Natural Health Products), and Cosmetic Import (Beauty and Personal Care Products).

Mr. Dhaval Dhulia brings over 16+ years of experience in Intellectual Property management within the pharmaceutical industry, with deep expertise spanning product development, lifecycle management, and patent litigation. Prior to joining JAMP Pharma, he held key IP leadership roles at prominent global pharmaceutical companies including Mylan Pharma (now Viatris), Amneal Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Lifesciences.

His core expertise lies in building and executing comprehensive IP strategies—from early-stage product selection and development through to global patent enforcement and litigation. He has hands-on experience handling IP matters across major jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and has personally attended proceedings before the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Mr. Dhaval Dhulia holds a Master of Pharmacy degree from Sardar Patel University and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Gujarat University. He is a Registered Indian Patent Agent as well as a Registered Indian Trademark Agent, combining strong technical, legal, and strategic perspectives in intellectual property management

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Sarwal is Senior Director & spearhead Global IPR of Jubilant Pharmova Ltd and has about 20+ years of experience in managing IP (ideation, Portfolio designing, FTO, Patentability and Patent litigation) activities on Generic, 505(b)2, NCE, Biologicals, drug device and AI technologies. He is inventor in about 150 international Patent publications on various pharmaceutical and drug device technologies. He has co-authored books and white papers publication on Pharma Industry (including G20/B20 R&D white Paper published in 2023)

Dmitry Shelhoff is a trial attorney who litigates significant patent cases. Dmitry was recognized by Patexia in the U.S. national ranking for the year 2025 as the top (No. 1) Hatch-Waxman litigation attorney representing generic pharmaceutical companies.

With a background in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology, Dmitry combines technical knowledge, legal acumen and the experience of having litigated significant pharmaceutical cases to help clients win trials or obtain favorable settlements.

Geoff Hussey heads up Venner Shipley’s Litigation and Licensing team, specialising in pharma litigation and commercial IP. His experience includes acting for a broad range of clients in relation to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (where he has a technical background in genetics and biochemistry) and medical devices. Geoff has extensive experience in patent litigation before the UK Patents Court, Court of Appeal, and in EPO patent oppositions concerning pharmaceuticals and medical devices including the coordination of parallel proceedings across many jurisdictions in Europe and the US.

Geoff’s cases have forged the law on the interpretation of the scope of patent claims, particularly those containing numbers and ranges.

I am currently leading the Pharma Patents, Trademarks, and Business Development Unit at Novo Nordisk, Bangalore. With more than 16 years of experience in the field of intellectual property (IP), I am a seasoned professional specializing in IP generation (patents and Trademarks), prosecution, and litigation within the biotech/bio-pharma industry. My expertise encompasses IP matters related to new chemical entities (NCEs), New Biological Entities (NBEs), Nucleic Acid based therapies, stem cells, small molecule generics and biosimilars. Over the last ten years, I have been affiliated with Novo Nordisk, focusing on IP generation, patent prosecution across various countries, managing patent conflicts, supporting business development activities such as mergers and acquisitions, brand protection and enforcement. Throughout my career, I have worked with multiple Biopharma/Pharma companies, having insight from both the innovator and generic side.

Isabelle is an attorney-at-law since 2014 and a member of EIP's Litigation team in the Düsseldorf office. She advises and represents national and international clients in all areas of intellectual property law. Her focus is on advising and representing clients in cross-border patent infringement proceedings in various technical fields, especially telecommunications, at all relevant patent infringement courts in Germany.

She joined EIP having completed a law degree at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn. During her legal clerkship she trained in the legal department of a leading trading and travel company. She speaks English fluently. Isabelle is a member of GRUR, a German IP association and VPP (Association of Intellectual Property Experts).

Isabelle is well placed to advise clients on the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Işın Yılmaz is a Molecular Biologist and Geneticist, graduated from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Bogazici University, Turkey. She has over 15 years of experience in Intellectual Property roles within the pharmaceutical industry and currently work as a Patent Manager at Deva Holding.

Her expertise includes the preparation of Freedom to Operate (FTO) analyses for small-molecule and biotechnological products, management of global patent filing and prosecution processes, and involvement in patent litigation. Her professional focus is on supporting pharmaceutical R&D and business strategy through effective IP management in regulated and competitive markets

Coy Stull is an intellectual property attorney with substantial expertise in federal court litigation and transactions. He offers guidance to businesses at all stages, ranging from startups to well-established companies.

Coy collaborates with clients across various technology sectors including software, blockchain, consumer products, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and veterinary products. He is particularly experienced in pharmaceutical litigation under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

As a registered patent attorney, Coy handles patent applications, inter partes reviews, and ex parte reexaminations. He also manages trademark applications and proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Coy is board certified in intellectual property law by the Florida Bar. He actively serves on the Florida Bar's Intellectual Property Law Certification Committee and the Federal Circuit Bar Association’s Patent Litigation Committee.

Coy is committed to pro bono work, assisting veterans seeking disability benefits and helping family law clients with custody issues. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Bay Area Legal Services.

Janine A. Carlan is a recognized patent litigator and Co Leader of AFS’s Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, with over 27 years of experience in high stakes disputes nationwide. She is distinguished in Hatch Waxman litigation and ITC Section 337 investigations, and handles matters across generic pharmaceuticals, consumer products, technology, medical devices, and electronics. Janine has first chaired numerous trials, argued before the Federal Circuit, and served as of counsel before the U.S. Supreme Court in The Holmes Group v. Vornado. Recent results include winning Oura’s smart ring ITC determination and favorable results in high value Hatch Waxman cases. She is USPTO admitted and PTAB Top 50 honoree.

Dr. Jayashree Mitra has represented clients in high-stakes litigation across a wide range of intellectual property, antitrust, and commercial disputes. Her clients span diverse industries, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical sector. She has extensive experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation and has represented both brand-name and generic pharmaceutical companies in complex litigation before federal courts. She also has substantial experience litigating complex antitrust matters for clients in the pharmaceutical industry, including class actions and competitor lawsuits involving various federal, state, and common law claims.

In addition to her litigation work, Jayashree advises clients on transactional matters, especially where technology is a key component of the deal. She has assisted clients with drafting and negotiating technology agreements and provided deal support in complex mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity matters. She also assists clients in building global patent and trademark portfolios and implementing innovative strategies to protect their intellectual property rights.

Jayashree is deeply engaged with emerging technologies. She has helped clients in the cannabis and psychedelic industries navigate the challenges of obtaining intellectual property rights from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, litigated cannabis-related patents in federal courts, and helped ensure compliance with FDA and DEA regulations. Jayashree is also a certified information privacy professional (CIPP) and advises clients on issues arising from the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Jayashree is committed to pro bono service and has handled criminal appeals and death penalty cases.

Prior to law school, Jayashree pursued a career in neuroscience and obtained her Ph.D. in pharmacology from Yale University. Her dissertation focused on the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on the developing brain. Jayashree also worked as a medical writer, preparing scientific materials for major pharmaceutical companies

Jeremy Lowe leads the Spencer Fane Hatch-Waxman and Biologics Litigation group, which provides strategic counsel on regulatory compliance, Hatch-Waxman litigation, BPCIA litigation, and Federal Circuit appeals. Boasting more than 24 years of experience as a trial and appellate attorney, he works with both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts to consistently achieve favorable outcomes.

Recognized for his exceptional legal acumen, Jeremy has successfully represented clients before multiple U.S. district courts, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His notable victories include defending a multibillion-dollar jury trial and achieving a landmark ruling that reshaped 150 years of double patenting law.

Jeremy’s undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and capacity to understand high-level STEM materials have laid the foundation for exceptional legal services and outcomes. He prioritizes honest and transparent communication with clients, proactive and ethical legal strategies, professional relationship maintenance with opposing counsel, and winning by all means necessary

I hold an M. Pharm from BITS Pilani and currently serve as Deputy General Manager - Legal & IPR at Reliance Life Sciences in Navi Mumbai. In this role, I am playing a crucial role in establishing a robust IP strategy that aligns with the company's business objectives and regulatory requirements. I am deeply involved in strategic decision-making and ensuring compliance with both intellectual property and legal frameworks across the organization.

With over 19 years of experience in Intellectual Property (IP) within the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industries, I specialize in Patent searching, Analysis, Patentability Assessments, Freedom to Operate (FTO), and Patent Drafting. My in-depth expertise spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including Pharma, Bio-Pharma, Peptides, Oligonucleotides, Innovative Therapies (Gene Therapy, mRNA, LNP) and associated patent issues.

I bring a unique blend of business development and IP management, having worked extensively in R&D, strategy, operations, and support to regulatory affairs. My ability to identify, manage, and support projects from strategy through conception to launch has led to successful business outcomes in an increasingly competitive global market.

A key area of focus has been devising Non-infringement strategies that enable early market entry in critical markets such as India, US, and EU. Through cost-effective management of IP portfolios and supervision of outside counsel, I help companies navigate complex patent landscapes and safeguard their innovations.

Additionally, my expertise extends into Legal compliance auditing for ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety). I conduct thorough audits to assess the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System (EMS), identify non-compliance issues, recommend corrective actions, and ensure the organization remains up-to-date with evolving regulatory standards. My efforts in this area help the organization avoid legal penalties, enhance its reputation, and stay aligned with statutory changes.

As part of my role, I actively support mergers and acquisitions (M&A), due diligence, and collateral management with competitor institutions. I work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives and ensure seamless execution. Furthermore, I advocate for and implement IP policies that foster innovation and maintain confidentiality.

I am an energetic and results-driven professional who believes in continuous learning and fostering a high-performance culture. My approach to problem-solving blends analytical rigor with strategic vision, enabling effective decision-making even in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. I am driven by a desire to excel and to inspire others, balancing a big-picture perspective with a meticulous focus on detail. With strong communication skills, a deep sense of integrity, and a collaborative mindset, I am committed to driving innovation, regulatory compliance, and organizational success.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Intellectual Property Management: Patent portfolio management, FTO, non-infringement strategies, patentability assessments, and litigation support.
• Business Development & Strategy: Identification and management of strategic IP initiatives across R&D, operations, and commercialization.
• Legal Compliance: ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 legal compliance audits, risk assessment, regulatory adherence, and statutory updates.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Due diligence, legal negotiations, integration, and IP management during M&A processes.
• IP Policy Development: Formulating and implementing policies to promote innovation and protect IP assets within and outside the organization.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Dealing with cross-functional teams, fostering a high-performance culture, and managing projects to successful outcomes.

Mr. Kaushal Joshi is an experienced IP and legal professional with expertise in Pharma/Biopharma Patent. He has 19 years’ experience in IP and has been working as head of IP at Kashiv Biosciences.

His practice focuses on Life sciences patent issues, Biosimilar litigation, Biosimilar pre-litigation strategy, IP generation, IP filing strategy, prosecution, IP due diligence, and other legal issues impacting the pharmaceutical and Biotech industries.

Mr. Kaushal’s expertise lies in designing IP strategies for Biosimilars (first and second wave biosimilars) and new biologics (Antibodies, vaccines) prosecution and litigation. He has participated in litigation and opposition proceedings in India, Europe, and the USA, including BPCIA litigation. He has drafted more than 200 patent applications and prosecuted several applications pertaining to biologics and small molecules in several jurisdictions.

He has filed over 200 patent applications since 2019 in the current organization.

He has hands-on laboratory experience in protein purification and vaccine development, which makes him more competent in creating a comprehensive road map of scientific technology, solving legal and scientific issues, and devising a fruitful IP strategy to meet business objectives.

He worked in Cadila Healthcare, Glenmark, and Lupin Pharma before joining the Kashiv.

He is a registered Patent and Trademark agent with a master’s degree in biotechnology, an LLB, and an LLM

With over 22+ years of progressive experience in Intellectual Property Management within the pharmaceutical industry, Lakshmi Prasanna is a seasoned IP professional with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, known for shaping robust patent portfolios, safeguarding innovation, and enabling business growth through strong IP governance. Currently serving as Head IPM– OSD Formulations at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories. Throughout a distinguished career, Lakshmi has partnered closely with R&D, legal, regulatory, and commercial teams to build IP frameworks that protect high value assets and support long term competitive advantage.

Lakshmi has led end to end IP operations, including patent drafting, prosecution, freedom to operate (FTO) assessments, infringement analysis, competitive intelligence, and lifecycle management. With deep expertise across small molecules, formulations, and emerging technologies, she has played a pivotal role in securing global patent protection for multiple pipeline and marketed products.

A trusted advisor to senior leadership, Lakshmi has driven IP strategies aligned with corporate objectives, optimized patent filing budgets, and strengthened compliance with global IP regulations. Known for a meticulous analytical approach and strong cross functional collaboration, she has successfully navigated complex IP landscapes, managed external counsel across multiple jurisdictions, and contributed to successful product launches and market exclusivity extensions.

Beyond technical expertise, she is recognized for building high performing IP teams, mentoring young professionals, and fostering a culture of innovation and risk aware decision making. With a passion for translating scientific innovation into sustainable intellectual property value, Lakshmi continues to be a key contributor to organizational growth and industry leadership

Lavanya is currently serving as Senior Deputy General Manager in the Legal Department at USV Private Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company. With approximately 20 years of extensive experience in the field of patents, Lavanya has expertise in a wide range of activities, including patent drafting, prosecution, infringement analysis, invalidation actions, and ANDA litigations.

Lavanya holds a postgraduate degree in Organic Chemistry from Mumbai University, is a registered Patent Agent, and has earned an LL.B. from Mumbai University, showcasing a strong academic foundation in both science and law.

An accomplished Intellectual property professional with over 17 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry, specializing in API, formulation, and biosimilar. With a strong academic foundation, including Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, LL.M. in intellectual property rights and post Graduate diploma in IPR, Mr. Trivedi has expertise in patent laws, infringement analysis and strategic IP management for global market especially India, USA, Europe and other regulated markets. He has successfully developed IP strategies for more than 300 molecules, filed 150+ patents and played a pivotal role in cross-functional collaboration across multiple jurisdiction. He has more than 20 patents in his name as an inventor also.

He has worked with the companies like Zydus Lifesciences, Piramal enterprises, Pharmathen SA, Strides Arcolab and currently heading IP department in BDR pharmaceutical. Renowned as a speaker at international IP conferences and in universities, he is recognized for his innovative contributions and leadership in the IP domain.

Dr. Mahalaxmi Andheria brings with her an experience of around 30 years in the Pharma & Biotech Industry. Dr. Andheria is a PhD in Pharmaceutics from ICT and a Post-Doctorate from University of Cincinnati, USA.

She started her career with Novartis in R&D and in the IPR field she has been associated with Sun Pharma, Panacea Biotec, Ajanta Pharma and now Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Andheria has been instrumental in establishing/managing the IPR Department consisting of specialists in diverse fields including pharmaceutical, & biological areas, assessing and strategizing all patent related activities across various geographies (US, EU, IN & Emerging markets). In her current role, she and her Team additionally contribute actively in identifying and suggesting IP risk-based Opportunities & Strategies to launch early in market, which directly contributes to Companies revenues.

Dr. Andheria enjoys sharing her experience in conferences and workshops and has authored IPR-related review articles in journals and books.

Dr. Mahendra Thakre is an in-house Senior patent counsel working as Associate Vice President Global IPR - Legal at Mylan Laboratories Limited (A Viatris Company), based at Hyderabad (India). He has earned his Doctoral Degree (PhD), Masters in Business Management (MBA), Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences (M. Pharm), PG Diploma in Patents Law (PGDPL) and a degree in Law (LLB).

During over around 22 years of industrial and academic experience in organizations like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER Mohali), he has established an expertise in strategy for para IV & generic opportunity in US in-line with Hatch-Waxman Act, opposition, invalidity opinion preparation for blocking patents, IP strategy, patent filing, prosecution and patent litigation across geographies. He is also an eminent speaker in various national, international conferences / symposiums.

Manika is an Associate Partner at Lall & Sethi and a registered Patent Agent with over a decade of experience in intellectual property law, particularly in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. She holds an M.Tech in Biotechnology and an LL.B. (Hons.) in Intellectual Property Rights from IIT Kharagpur. Her practice encompasses patent drafting and prosecution, oppositions, revocations, and enforcement relating to pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and allied technologies. She regularly advises Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, and research organisations on IP strategy, portfolio development, due diligence, and lifecycle management, and represents clients before the Patent Office and Indian courts. She is recognised by IAM Patent 1000 as a Recommended Individual for patent prosecution and by Managing IP’s IP Stars as a Rising Star. Ms. Arora is actively involved in IP capacity building and is a frequent speaker at leading national and international IP forums.

Monika is a life sciences specialist with a track record of achieving successful outcomes for clients in challenging cases. She has particular expertise in contentious proceedings at the European Patent Office, often involving multiple parties, and in advising on strategically significant patent portfolios. She regularly provides freedom to operate and validity opinions and has also coordinated and advised on major IP due diligence projects. Her dual qualification as a Patent Attorney and Solicitor has led to involvement in multi-forum and multi-jurisdictional patent litigation in the life sciences sector and she is well placed to represent clients in this sector before the new Unified Patent Court (UPC).

With a background that is legal as well as scientific, and by combining a strategic approach with attention to detail, Monika has built a reputation for her advocacy in EPO examination and opposition proceedings. She has represented some of the world's most innovative organisations in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector in technical areas including cancer immunotherapy, microbiome therapeutics, gene therapy, therapeutic nucleotides and peptides, personalised medicine using AI and machine learning, antibody discovery and diagnostics. She also advises clients harnessing the power of biotechnology and microbiology in the agriculture, food and cosmetics sector.

Monika’s professional experience of over two decades includes private practice experience in the UK and India as well as in-house experience supporting the biologicals and biopharma teams at a global healthcare company. She is also well placed to advise clients on the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Neil Benchell is an intellectual property litigator with a practice focused on pharmaceutical patent litigation, including Hatch-Waxman and regulatory-driven patent disputes, as well as trademark and licensing matters. He is chair of the Devlin Law Firm Pharmaceutical Practice Group. Mr. Benchell has extensive experience representing clients in complex patent cases involving chemical and pharmaceutical technologies before Federal Courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Mr. Benchell is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he teaches a course on patent litigation. He is a published author and editor on issues involving patent discovery, evidentiary strategy, and regulatory considerations in pre-ANDA litigation. Mr. Benchell is the former Chair of the Intellectual Property Section of the DuPage County Bar Association and regularly lectures on emerging trends in IP law.

Dr. Parag Kinge, MSc, PhD, LLM, is a distinguished professional with over 20 years of experience in R&D, intellectual property (IP), and technology transfer management across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical engineering industries. He is currently serving as the Head of IPMD at Biological E Ltd., Hyderabad, a position he has held since February 2024.

Dr. Kinge has extensive expertise in patent and trademark prosecution, litigation, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, and high-value contract management in India and international jurisdictions. His career includes leadership roles at Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Praj Industries, and the National Chemical Laboratory. He has drafted and prosecuted over 350 patents globally, managed high-value IP monetization projects, and handled complex litigation and arbitration cases, including US Federal District Court cases and proceedings before the LCIA in London.

An accomplished academic, Dr. Kinge earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the Max Planck Institute and the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and holds an LLM in IP and Business Laws from the Munich Intellectual Property Law Centre. He is also a registered Patent Attorney in India and has authored numerous publications and patents. Dr. Kinge’s expertise and leadership have significantly advanced innovation and IP management in the life sciences sector.

• Seasoned Pharma IP professional having 22+ years of experience in Pharma Research, and IP & Portfolio Management.
• Currently associated with Sun Pharma, Mumbai as Sr. General Manager - IP Management.
• Has completed Ph. D. (Pharma Sciences), Law graduation (L.L.B.) and Leadership Development Program (IIM, Ahmedabad).
• Has worked at various leadership positions in past with Wockhardt Ltd., Glenmark Pharma Ltd., and Dr Reddy’s Ltd.

Prashant M. Katariya, M. Pharm., LLB, working at Zydus Lifesciences Limited as Deputy General Manager, Global IP. I am having about 18 experience in managing IP portfolios, including Patent and Design. At Zydus, I am taking care of IP function for various geographies including USA, Europe, and International markets including Brazil, Australia, China, etc. I am a detail-oriented IPR professional with a proven track record of providing strategic IP opinions. Passionate about leveraging techno-legal knowledge to protect innovations and drive organizational growth.

Raju Sharma is an accomplished IP expert; he is currently working as a Head of Intellectual Property Rights and In-house Counsel at Synthimed Labs Private Ltd. He is a registered Indian Patent Agent who holds a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Pune University, India. Raju has 16+ years of experience in leading pharmaceutical companies, he specializes in IP strategy, patent drafting, prosecution, litigation, FTO analysis, regulatory procedures, and portfolio management. He actively contributes as a speaker and panelist at various intellectual property forums.

Ramchandra S. Gadegone is the Associate Vice President of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at Micro Labs Ltd., Bengaluru. He holds an M. Pharm in Pharmaceutics from Nagpur University and a Post Graduate Diploma in IPR from the Bioinformatics Institute of India (BII), Noida.

With over 22 years of experience in IP, portfolio management, and formulation development, he specializes in managing global IP litigations and product portfolios, overseeing the development and launch of generic pharmaceutical products worldwide. His expertise includes IP due diligence, infringement and validity assessments, patent invalidation strategies, and freedom-to-operate analyses.

Ramchandra has worked with leading organizations, including USV Ltd., Unique Pharma Lab, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Enaltec Labs, before joining Micro Labs Ltd. in 2017. His extensive experience makes him a key leader in the pharmaceutical IP domain.

Roshan Shreshtha focuses his practice on intellectual property law, including patent litigation, prosecution, and opinion work in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronic material arts. He has broad litigation experience, including district court litigation, contested AIA proceedings, e.g., Re-examination and Inter Partes Review (IPR) at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), International Trade Commission (ITC), and appellate matters

Ganesan heads Intellectual Property at a leading pharmaceutical company, bringing three decades of experience at the intersection of chemistry and patent law. With an LL.B. in Intellectual Property Law and a strong background in pharmaceutical chemistry, he has built a career that blends scientific rigor with legal strategy.

He is recognized for his ability to make complex technical and legal concepts accessible, empowering audiences that range from scientists to business leaders. Over the years, Ganesan has contributed to high-profile industry discussions, helping shape how innovation is understood and protected.

His focus is on building cultures where intellectual property is a proactive mindset rather than an afterthought, ensuring that innovation is safeguarded with clarity and precision. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals who can fluently navigate both science and law

Dr. Shamim Ahmad is a seasoned IP and legal professional with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. He currently serves as Senior Director and Head of IP and Legal at Aurigene Oncology Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, where he leads the company’s IP strategy, licensing, and legal affairs.

At Aurigene, Dr. Ahmad plays a key role in supporting the company’s drug discovery programs across small molecules, therapeutic antibodies, and cell and gene therapies, with a particular focus on oncology and immunology. His responsibilities include global patent portfolio and lifecycle management, devising prosecution strategies, conducting freedom-to-operate assessments, and negotiating complex collaboration and licensing agreements. He is also a key stakeholder in out-licensing initiatives, working closely with R&D, legal, and business development teams to enable seamless technology transfer.

Prior to joining Aurigene, Dr. Ahmad held positions within the IP teams at Glenmark and Lupin. He holds a Ph.D. and Postgraduate degree in Organic Chemistry, a law degree from Karnataka State Law University, and is a registered patent agent with the Indian Patent Office.

A frequent speaker and panellist at national and international conferences, Dr. Ahmad is widely recognized for his expertise in innovation management, IP strategy, and the evolving legal landscape in biotechnology. His thought leadership continues to influence best practices, policy development, and collaborative models in IP-intensive industries.

Shirshendu holds a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from BIT, Mesra, Ranchi. After completing his master’s, he began his corporate journey at Zydus Research Centre, where he worked in the chemistry department as a Scientist and later as a Senior Chemist for three years.

Following his industry experience, he transitioned into academia and pursued a PhD. At the M S University of Baroda, supported by a scholarship from AICTE, under the mentorship of Prof. M R Yadav.

After earning his doctorate degree, Shirshendu entered the field of Intellectual Property. He gained initial IP experience at Torrent Pharmaceuticals. After Torrent, he joined Evalueserve, a consultancy firm, where he worked closely with major pharmaceutical companies on IP strategy and analytics.

In 2011, he joined Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, where he has spent over 14 years handling multiple roles within the IP department. Currently serving as Head – Special Projects (API-IP) at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, he is responsible for generating IP-related revenues and driving strategic initiatives. His expertise includes patent strategy, IP analytics, freedom-to-operate assessments and revenue generation through intellectual property.

Shradha Saraf is a senior intellectual property leader with over 24 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is currently associated with Alkem Laboratories. She has held strategic IP leadership positions at leading global and Indian pharmaceutical companies including Lotus (Alvogen), Glenmark, Lupin Pharma, and Sun Pharma, where she has played a critical role in building, defending, and leveraging high-value patent portfolios.

She holds a postgraduate degree in Pharmaceutics from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Mohali, and is a registered Patent Agent in India. Shradha has deep expertise in formulating and executing end-to-end patent strategies across regulated and semi-regulated markets, including the United States, Europe, Canada, and the APAC region. Her experience spans innovative and generic programs, encompassing small molecules, biologics, drug–device combinations, complex generics, and super generics.

Widely recognized for her strategic acumen, Shradha has consistently driven the integration of intellectual property with R&D, business development, and portfolio planning. Her leadership has enabled organizations to navigate complex legal and commercial landscapes, strengthen innovation pipelines, and make informed, risk-balanced business decisions in highly competitive global markets.

An accomplished Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) professional with over 27 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, including more than 20 years of specialized practice in Intellectual Property management. Possesses deep expertise in the identification, creation, protection, enforcement, and commercialization of intellectual property assets, encompassing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and domain names, with a strong focus on aligning IP strategy with business objectives.

Currently responsible for conceptualizing, devising, and implementing comprehensive IP strategies at FDC Limited, supporting both short-term tactical needs and long-term strategic growth. Plays a pivotal role in managing the company’s global IP portfolio, ensuring robust protection of innovations and brands across multiple jurisdictions.

Has extensive hands-on experience in IP litigation, enforcement actions, and settlements. Independently manages critical trademark matters, including trademark infringement and passing-off actions, oppositions, rectifications, and actions against counterfeit products, with a proven ability to safeguard brand equity in highly competitive markets.

Provides strategic legal opinions on patentability, infringement risks, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, and patent validity, enabling informed decision-making for R&D, product launches, and lifecycle management. Known for a strong analytical approach, practical risk assessment, and business-oriented legal advice with respect to Intellectual Property.

Active Member of the IDMA IPR Committee, contributing to industry-level deliberations, policy discussions, and best practices in intellectual property management within the pharmaceutical sector.

Dr. P.S.R.C. Murthy has extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of intellectual property (IP), including managing IP for APIs, formulations, NCEs, and peptides. With over 22 years of experience, he has worked on a wide range of key IP concepts such as IP creation, protection, commercialization, portfolio management, strategy, litigation, licensing, innovation management, prosecution strategy for patents, creation of patent families for technology picket fencing, ideation for 505(b)(2) opportunities, patent drafting, filing, prosecution, negotiation and preparation of various IP-related agreements, as well as IP training and team building.

Recognized as a dedicated scientist and inventor, Dr. Murthy has contributed to over 20 publications, including patents, research papers, and posters.

He has also initiated and implemented best practices in IP management at Dr. Reddy’s, Suven Life Sciences, and Neuland Laboratories Ltd., which have resulted in numerous awards and significant cost savings in IP expenditure.

Swati is an accomplished IP expert, and a qualified Indian Patent Attorney with an experience spanning over 27 years in dealing with all the aspects of the Patents field ranging from strategic patent portfolio management, drafting and prosecuting over 500 domestic & global patent applications, providing legal opinions on patentability, patent infringement, FTO analysis and patent validity issues. She has extensive experience in devising pharma patent litigation strategies as well as "clearing the way" strategies in relation to pharmaceutical patents/published applications.

Currently, Swati is Head of IPM cell at Alivus Life Sciences Ltd. (Erstwhile Glenmark Life Sciences Ltd). She previously worked in the in-house IP dept. of Piramal Pharma, Sun Pharma, Lupin and Indoco Remedies.

Being highly experienced in the IP field, Swati is a frequent speaker on emerging areas of patent law at various events. Also, she is recognised among “Powerful & Influential women in IP “ in the years 2021 & 2023 by World Intellectual Property Forum (WIPF). In the year 2019, she received recognition as “IP Star Woman of the Year” from Legal Era Magazine. In 2024, Swati received recognition as “The great Indian Women IPR Icon” from Transformance Forums.

Tara Raghavan is a Partner at Benesch at a co-chair of the Pharmaceutical Industry Practice Group. Tara is a strategic patent litigator and regulatory counselor with deep experience guiding life sciences, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, technology, and other innovation driven companies through the legal, operational, and regulatory complexities that arise across the full product development lifecycle. Her practice spans complex patent litigation, portfolio strategy, regulatory counseling, opinion work, and diligence, with particular strength at the intersection of patent law, agency frameworks, and commercial strategy. Tara advises both clinical stage and commercial stage companies on how to build, protect, and position their assets while navigating evolving regulatory and compliance requirements. In the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, her work includes matters under the Hatch Waxman Amendments, the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA), controlled substance handling, REMS related considerations, data integrity and documentation practices, and aligning IP strategy with development phase and exclusivity goals.

Completed PhD in Chemistry from GITAM in 2021; MSc from JNTU & MBA from IGNOU; PG Diploma in Patens Law from NALSAR; Pursuing LLB.

21 years of professional experience. Currently working as Director – IPM (API & Formulation)/ Legal/ Portfolio head in Sekhmet Pharmaventures/ Optimus. Previously worked in BDR (IP head – API & Formulation)/ Portfolio; Aurobindo; Cadila; Laurus; PharmaZell; Patent Art. Expert in evaluating inventions by correlating business impact; Portfolio/ Pipeline Strategy management; Creating IP strategies for First-to-Market/ FTF launches; IP risks for intended launches (Designing around Process/ Polymorph/ Composition); PIV/ Litigation handling; 5O5 b(2) strategies; Indian IP litigation handling; pre-grant/ post-grant oppositions; third-party observation filing in EU; End-to-End Product Development Monitoring; patent drafting/ filing/ prosecution/ maintenance in IN/ US/ EU/ CA/ CN etc.; IP evaluation/ FTO of patents related to solid orals/ injectables/ injectable devices.

Had 4 international Journals/ publications, during PhD.

Participated as Speaker in Great Indian IPR Summit & Awards, 2024; 5 th elets Pharma Leadership summit & Awards, 2023; Speaker in IPR Pharma Conference, 20025; Speaker in IIPSS, 2025

Timothy H. Kratz is a veteran complex trial lawyer, with over 35 years of first-chair courtroom experience. He leads or has led litigation teams in numerous large, complex matters, including cases in the fields of patents and other forms of intellectual property, technology licenses and development, trade and competition, healthcare, securities, professional malpractice and all aspects of business litigation. For the past 20 years, he has built and led teams focused on Hatch-Waxman litigation, serving as lead counsel in all phases of numerous ANDA cases for leading generic pharmaceutical companies. He has significant experience in this field, including serving as lead counsel on more than 100 ANDA applications with Paragraph IV challenges.

Timothy is a recognized international speaker on topical issues pertinent to the life sciences industry and patent litigation, having presented at industry conferences throughout the United States, and in South Korea and on numerous occasions in India. He has been tendered and qualified as an expert in an international litigation matter in the field of U.S. patent litigation procedures. He was also his prior firm’s chair of the life sciences industry team, serving in this firm management position for more than two years. As such, he has coordinated multi-disciplinary and multi-office teams of lawyers serving the life sciences industry.

Timothy has a depth of experience in the management of high stakes, high profile commercial litigation. He has tried many cases to verdict in a variety of jurisdictions and argued several appeals before federal and state appellate courts and in fact has been selected on multiple occasions from joint-defense group counsel to argue an appeal on behalf of multiple leading companies in the field. He has also taught trial advocacy skills to both law students and lawyers in several states. He has been a member of the Georgia bar since 1989.

Dr. Vikas Agrawal, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences), M.Pharm, M.B.A, and a registered Indian Patent & Trademark Attorney, is the Senior General Manager and Head of Global Intellectual Property Management and Strategic Portfolio Planning at Unison Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., India. With over 16 years of experience, he specializes in intellectual property, portfolio planning, and business development across global markets, including the US, Europe, and India. Dr. Agrawal holds a Ph.D. from Charotar University, Gujarat, an M.Pharm and M.B.A from NMIMS University, Mumbai, and a postgraduate diploma in patent law from NALSAR University. A sought-after speaker, he has presented at prestigious forums worldwide, sharing his expertise in IP and pharmaceutical strategy.

Vishal Gupta is Co-Chair of the Life Sciences Practice at Steptoe LLP. He is a seasoned, Chambers-ranked, Hatch-Waxman and biologics patent litigator who has served as lead counsel before district courts, the PTAB, and the Federal Circuit. Vishal has handled numerous high-value bench trials, jury trials, remedies proceedings, and IPRs. His cases have involved blockbuster treatments for various cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, opioid addiction, cosmetics and ophthalmic conditions. Vishal additionally has deep expertise in leading and negotiating patent settlements.

Vishal Sudan is a seasoned Intellectual Property professional with nearly two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), he brings a strong multidisciplinary background in management, pharmaceutical sciences, and law.

His expertise spans IP strategy, patent portfolio management, and branded products life cycle management.

Vishal has held leadership roles at organizations such as Fresenius Kabi and Sun Pharma and is known for building high-performing teams and driving strategic excellence.

Dr. Pillai is an experienced patent practitioner. He has prepared, filed, and prosecuted over 1000 patent applications, most of them for pharmaceutical inventions. He is a named inventor on 7 U.S. patents and has published 17 scientific and legal articles with over 30 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience and has prepared numerous patentability opinions. He is a regular speaker on patent law and strategies to strengthen patent applications involving chemicals and pharmaceuticals, patent office rules and procedures, and patentable subject matter. He has been named a “Leading Lawyer” each year for many years by the Leading Lawyers Magazine and is also a winner of the Roger D. Middlekauf Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS). Dr. Pillai has served as the Chair of the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS for three consecutive years. In recognition of his contributions to chemistry, the ACS, and the legal profession, Dr. Pillai was elected a Fellow of the ACS in 2021.