This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
Your work in the intellectual property law space is highly specialized. What initially sparked your interest in IP law?
This is a very interesting question for me. I’ve been asked this many times, and I always say that actually, my personality is such that I get bored easily with things. Things, not people—okay? So, if I am doing something continuously and it feels monotonous, I get bored. Since my childhood, it has been a dream of mine to do something of my own, possibly due to my background or family conditions—a very orthodox family. But I wanted to do something interesting that always excites me.
It should always give me a kick to do better and better, until I achieve the best, right? So, that’s how I developed my journey. I would say my interest in IP law was sparked during my graduation days when I was actually searching for what I should do.
And I encountered a book by B.D. Singh with a chapter on patents, and this chapter opened my eyes to the fascinating world of innovation and technology. As I delved deeper, I realized that working in this field means being exposed to new ideas and groundbreaking technologies every day.
It felt like being on the front line of innovation. Now that you are involved in IP, you will realize why I chose it. What truly drove me to start my journey in IP was that it became not just my passion but my attitude. IP became more than just a field of study for me; it became a part of who I am. I believe I am at my best when I’m working in this space, and this confidence gave me the drive to turn my passion into a business.
More than working with corporates and universities, I realized that there’s a huge gap in the support provided to universities, startups, and SMEs. When I entered the field of IP, I started catering to these needs. For me, it’s not just about protecting ideas but also empowering innovators and helping them realize the full potential of their creativity.
During early stages of your career, while you spent four years working as an IP consultant, basically in patent research and analytics, what kind of experience was it that influenced your career trajectory? And what were the key insights that you would prefer to share?
During the early stages of my career, I spent not four but six years working as an IP professional, focusing on patent research and analytics in both corporate and academic environments.
I worked in the corporate sector and with Amity University, which was the only university where I worked as an employee. This experience was instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and deepening my understanding of IP from multiple perspectives. I learned how IP is handled in the corporate and business sectors and how it is managed in academia.
In the corporate sector, I learned business strategies around IP that help companies stay ahead in competitive markets. Large corporations file patents not just to protect their inventions but to monetize them. This taught me how patents drive innovation and secure market advantages.
In contrast, my time with Amity University exposed me to the academic approach to IP: how research translates into intellectual property and the challenges faced by institutions in managing and leveraging their innovation effectively.
The biggest lesson I learned during this time was the immense potential of IP to create tangible value—whether for multinational corporations, universities, or startups. It also made me realize the importance of bridging the gap between innovators and the IP process, which ultimately inspired me to start my own venture.
I also remember a pivotal experience in Singapore, where I attended a conference through WIPO. During the conference, someone remarked that India and China are “jugaad” countries that copy products and lack awareness about protecting intellectual property.
This comment struck a nerve. It motivated me to return to India, leave my job, and create something that could address this issue. I conducted 75 free workshops for SMEs and universities in 2013 to spread awareness about why IP is important. It wasn’t just about filing; it was about understanding what you are losing by not protecting your ideas.
You actually are the first-generation serial woman entrepreneur. Can you take us through that journey, through that experience that actually led you to start Ennoble IP and how do you see that this is impacting society at large and majorly women entrepreneurs?
Let’s not define entrepreneurship by gender. I used to think of myself as a woman entrepreneur, but over time, I realized entrepreneurship transcends gender.
Yes, as a woman, 20-40% of the challenges we face may be gender-specific. But the rest are the same for all entrepreneurs. I come from a small town in Eastern UP, and I belong to a traditional Rajput family. The mindset in my family was that women were destined for the “3 Ks”—knitting, kitchen, and kids.
However, my parents, particularly my mother, were rebellious. My mother was determined to ensure that my sisters and I became financially independent. She always emphasized that financial independence is the key to freedom—freedom to make decisions without asking a father, husband, or boss for money.
My journey as a first-generation entrepreneur has been both challenging and rewarding. During my university days, I discovered my passion for IP and realized I could work with innovators to protect groundbreaking ideas. After gaining industry experience in corporate and academic settings, I saw a significant gap in IP services for startups, universities, and SMEs.
Starting Ennoble IP was my way of addressing these gaps, but it was also a journey of self-discovery. Each experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my vision.
So, he makes the decisions on how the house will run. We live in a joint family, and to this day, we still have a joint family. My uncle guided my father, and my grandfather also guided him, saying, “You have a daughter; save money and give her basic education if you want.” But my mother and father were very rebellious—both of them, I would say.
The first step was taken by my mother, but yes, my father joined hands with her. My mother declared, “I have daughters, but that doesn’t stop me from building their careers or making them financially independent.” And my mother was determined throughout, until we realized the importance of financial independence.
She taught us that financial independence is the freedom you actually require in your life. Otherwise, you will always have to ask. If you don’t have a brother, you’ll always turn to your father, saying, ‘I want this; give me this money.’ Then you’ll turn to your husband, saying, ‘I want this; give me your money.’ Finally, you’ll turn to your male bosses, asking for a raise.
So, she asked, “Why don’t you create your own financial freedom so you don’t have to ask anyone?” She even gave her example: “See, if I have to make any decision, I have to ask your father. If I had been earning, I would have sat with him to discuss whether we should invest or not. Instead of asking, ‘I want this—will you help me buy that?’ I would have had the confidence to contribute equally.”
So, she talked about financial freedom and confidence until the three of us realized how essential they are. My father supported me—I would say he was always the strongest backbone for us, alongside my mother.
Now, coming to being a first-generation entrepreneur: my journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I always say, “Be proud of yourself,” and I am very proud of whatever I have achieved.
Growing up, I didn’t have—as I mentioned—a family business or entrepreneurial legacy to guide me. But I always had a strong drive, inspired by my mother, to create something meaningful.
The key moment that set me on this path was during my university days when I discovered my passion for IP. The idea that I could work with innovators, support them, and help protect groundbreaking ideas fascinated me immensely.
After gaining industry experience—both in corporate and academic settings—I saw a significant gap, as I mentioned, in how IP services were being delivered to startups, universities, and SMEs.
While large corporations had access to world-class IP support systems, smaller entities were often left struggling to navigate the complexities of intellectual property. That was something I wanted to change. That realization was the kick I needed to get started.
I wanted to be independent, and my independence inspired my sisters, who said, “Yes, we will work.” But I was determined: “No, I don’t want to limit myself to one job. I want to build a business.” At that time, I was young and naïve, but as you grow, wisdom comes. I was still a child back then, thinking, “I will start a business where my daddy’s friends will come and say, ‘Please employ my child.’”
And these relatives will come and say, “Please help me with the job also.” I was of that mindset, but I was totally wrong. So, for the young people who are watching this, this should not be the driving force for you. I was scared. I was scared, but with the vision, with the wisdom that comes with age and experience, I am not working today for myself.
I’m working for almost 260 people who are working with me right now. Together, we are working towards that vision. So, entrepreneurship, I would say, is a very beautiful thing if you actually enjoy this journey. Starting Ennoble IP was my way of bridging the gap—not only in the industry but also in my thought process.
I wanted to create a platform that not only provides IP services but also empowers innovators by making it more accessible, more understandable, and more strategically strong, where they get the support they need. Along the way, the three challenges I faced were, first, learning to navigate the business world without prior experience, second, building a trusted network, and third, establishing credibility as a first-generation entrepreneur.
Now, coming to your question—yes, I faced challenges being a woman. As I mentioned, it’s only 20–40%, not more than that. The rest of the problems are the same. Trust is the major issue. At the time when I started, I was very thin and looked much younger than my age. This made people reluctant to trust me.
Once, I was sitting with a vice-chancellor of a university, and after a talk, he said, “Madam, I thought that as the chief guest, you must be very old. Will you be able to handle this workshop and the university’s work? You are just a woman, madam. This university is very big.”
In my mind, I was thinking, ‘Where have you come from? You have so many female faculty members, yet you doubt me?’ But I said politely, “Sir, I’ll need your help. If you help me, I will be able to manage.” This was me satisfying the male ego.
After my talk, he said, “You are like chota packet bada dhamaka.” I responded, “No, sir, you are wrong. I may be small or big—I don’t know—but I am definitely a dhamaka.” Then I added, “Never underestimate women because if we can handle a kitchen and kids, we can handle anything.”
I continued, “If a woman can bring life into this world, she can do anything.” He was silent, but now, we are good friends. I respect him a lot, and he often says, ‘Shweta, you changed my mindset.’ After that, he gave his daughter the wings she wanted.
What I want to emphasize is that each experience has taught me resilience, adaptability, and, most importantly, staying true to my vision. This is very important. I often say resilience has built me because it’s like fighting against odd situations every time.
As a woman, we face challenges, but as an entrepreneur, we face even more. It’s resilience that helps us persevere. People these days on Instagram talk about manifestation, right? I didn’t know this word back then, but now I realize that all this while, I was manifesting.
From my childhood, I manifested something, and I believe in it. My favorite song is Chaand Taare Tod Lau. That song is about manifestation—and look at the actor! It’s all in your mind. You just have to believe.
These characteristics and skills, no one is born with. You develop them through experience. I was very naïve when I started meeting investors. I didn’t want to raise money for my startup, but I have an NPO where I support women.
I believe in giving back to society. Through that NPO, we support women. It’s not for profit. I have only invested my own money so far. We do not work for CSR funds because the women we support are doing fantastically well.
When I started in 2012 or 2013, there wasn’t much exposure. In meetings with investors, they would say, “She may get married soon and plan a family.” I got furious during some of those interviews and said, “Sir, that boy will also plan for a family. He will also have a child.”
Just because we, as women, go through this process doesn’t mean we are weak. It’s a mutual responsibility. But I have seen a change in the ecosystem now. We have become fearless.
I had to learn and develop these skills, but this new generation—Gen Z—is already born with this fearless expression and thought process, which is commendable and really cool.
When we three sisters discuss, we always say that if our mom had received a proper education, she would have been the CEO of a company. My dad has a slow decision-making process. My mom, on the other hand, is quick with decisions.
But I would again emphasize—until the father supports the mother, she cannot do anything. My father is not a risk-taker, but I inherited that ability from my mother. The values and empathy, however, I got from my father.
Intellectual properties have often been considered very complex and intimidating for startups. How did you handle those particular challenges whenever you faced those young innovators and startups?
China is still leading the world in terms of patents. And I believe that we must strive to surpass China because population-wise, we are stronger. First, we are intellectually very sound when it comes to technology. So, I’m a very proud Indian. Actually, I say this often: I travel to a lot of countries, and when I come back, I love inhaling this polluted air. I genuinely love India, despite its challenges. However, India still has a long way to go.
The scenario has changed. Earlier, there was no awareness. People didn’t know about IP, so they weren’t filing patents. Now, there is awareness. But still, many startups do not file. Why? Because they don’t give priority to IP.
They think it’s something that can be addressed at a later stage. They ask, ‘Why invest the money now?’ They don’t realize that investing in IP strategies is the key to driving their business forward. They are unaware of the story of Google. They don’t want to know. They just see that Google has become Google—not through business strategy alone, but through its IP strategy.
Apple is Apple because of its IP strategy. So, this is something I would like to emphasize before starting my answer.
Coming back to your question, IP law does seem daunting for startups and young innovators, especially when they are more focused on developing their products or services than navigating the legal complexities.
Some key challenges they face—and this is based entirely on my 10–12 years of experience—are:
- Lack of awareness: As I mentioned, many startups are unaware of the importance of intellectual property or the steps required to protect their innovations. IP strategy should be an integral part of the business strategy from the very beginning. They often underestimate how crucial it is to secure patents, trademarks, copyrights, or, if it’s a product, the design, right at the early stages.
- Limited resources: Startups, being small businesses, typically operate on tight budgets. This makes it difficult for them to prioritize IP amidst other pressing needs like product development or marketing. They end up investing more in product development and marketing rather than prioritizing IP.
- Global complexity: For startups looking to expand internationally, understanding and complying with IP laws across different jurisdictions can be overwhelming.
- Timing and strategy: Filing for IP protection too late or without a clear strategy can make startups vulnerable to infringement, competition, or even losing their innovations.
At Ennoble IP, we address these challenges directly. We have designed our services specifically to tackle these four challenges. We start by educating startups and SMEs about intellectual property and how it can serve as a powerful business asset. We offer tailored solutions that are not only cost-effective but also of the same quality as corporate-grade services, and they align with the startup’s stage of growth.
For example, we help startups conduct patent searches, explain why it is done, file applications, and ensure that their IP strategy aligns with their business goals. We also do not force startups to file a patent if it is unnecessary. Right? There are different IPs, and you already know this because you are in the same business line. Sometimes, a patent may not even be required—for example, in the music industry, where copyright is often sufficient. So, we create strategies accordingly. We also assist with global filings and provide strategic advice on leveraging IP portfolios for funding, partnerships, and market positioning.
Our goal is to make the IP process as seamless as possible for startups and SMEs so that they can focus on what they do best: innovating. We always say, “You handle your product and marketing strategy, and we’ll handle your IP strategy.” Marketing also requires IP. Many firms don’t realize that their marketing materials and overall marketing strategy should involve IP considerations.
Ultimately, IP should not be viewed as a hurdle but as an opportunity for smart businesses—startups and SMEs—to strengthen their competitive edge. As I mentioned, I am passionate about helping in these areas.
Given the scenario today, there is a rise of new technologies, there is a growing need for IP protection in the kind of fields where AI is getting involved. How do you see the intersection of IP laws and IP per se with this kind of disruptive tech, which is going to shape the future of innovation in a very different manner specially in the Indian environment and ecosystem?
I would say that the intersection of IP law and emerging technologies is becoming increasingly crucial in shaping the future of innovation. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, and biotechnology are evolving rapidly, pushing the boundaries of traditional intellectual property frameworks. This presents both challenges and opportunities. One key challenge is the pace at which technology is advancing, often outpacing the conventional IP systems designed for traditional inventions.
For instance, questions around the patentability of AI-generated inventions or the ownership of decentralized blockchain solutions are sparking new debates in legal and regulatory spaces. On the other hand, this intersection drives a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of IP. Companies and innovators are recognizing that a robust IP strategy is not just about protecting ideas but also about creating a competitive edge in a technology-driven market.
Here, you don’t just need an IP strategy; you also need good market research. IP portfolios are becoming integral to attracting investments, forming strategic partnerships, and determining valuations during mergers and acquisitions. A classic example, albeit not recent, is Nokia, Microsoft, and BlackBerry. These cases illustrate how an IP portfolio can protect an entire company.
At Ennoble IP, we are at the forefront of this intersection. We work with innovators to navigate this complexity, whether it involves filing patents for AI algorithms, protecting proprietary aspects of blockchain applications, or managing IP risks in cross-border collaborations. Our role is not just to protect innovations but also to help innovators leverage their IP to unlock new opportunities.
Looking ahead, I believe IP law will continue to evolve to address the unique challenges posed by emerging technologies. For instance, there will be greater emphasis on global harmonization of IP laws to address the borderless nature of technology. More collaboration will also emerge between legal, technical, and policy experts to ensure that IP frameworks foster innovation without stifling it.
The future of innovation will rely heavily on how effectively we align IP protection with the needs of new technologies. By staying ahead of trends and proactively addressing challenges, we can ensure that the innovation ecosystem remains vibrant and sustainable. IP, market research, and business intelligence must work collaboratively. For instance, in the case of AI and blockchain, where new advancements emerge daily, a robust strategy is essential.
With my UAE office, I have seen how blockchain startups are leveraging IP strategies effectively despite varying jurisdictional rules. This diversity creates challenges, but India is becoming a goldmine for IP service providers. With huge investments in R&D flowing into India, we are at the cusp of something big.
And believe me, my dad always told me, and this was my dad’s wisdom, people can take away your wealth and other materialistic things; they can take away everything, but two things nobody can rob you of are your knowledge and character. So, always work on those things. Today, I’m not scared, even if I lose everything, because I know I have expertise, and I have knowledge. I can earn again. Since I’m not scared, I always take risks. Knowledge is a very important tool in today’s world.
Fifth is to create your own opportunities. If you find a door closed, don’t hesitate to build your own. As a first-generation entrepreneur, I didn’t inherit a business, right? I built one from scratch. It’s about being resourceful and proactive in creating pathways where none exist. Let me give you an example: I started a business in a very crowded space. IP is a very crowded space. But I didn’t hesitate to enter because I came up with an innovative model, collaborating with universities, startups, and small businesses.
Now, the sixth point I would like to mention is to advocate for others. As women, we have a unique opportunity to lift each other up, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply sharing stories. Supporting other women can create a ripple effect of empowerment.
For example, I often refer to the movie Jai Ho. If you’ve seen Salman Khan’s movie, you’ll recall the chain they create. I don’t remember all the details now, but the concept stuck with me. If one woman holds the hand of another and uplifts her, this chain can actually bring about change.
Because, speaking from my own experience, I got more support from men than women. I didn’t receive much support from women, and that’s why I started my mission through WIF, my NPO, which supports women. Helping others in this way is one of the most meaningful things you can do in life.
Lastly, the seventh point: embrace resilience. For me, resilience has been key. There will be setbacks, but resilience will carry you through. Every obstacle you overcome adds to your strength and experience, making you better equipped for the next challenge.
What kind of advice would you give to others, specially women entrepreneurs as we see a lot of technology biases are also there. How do you see that one can navigate through those kinds of obstacles, especially in IP.?
To all women entrepreneurs, I would say this: don’t let anyone define your potential. Dream big, be ambitious, and proudly say, “I am ambitious.” Don’t feel shy about wanting to make money—it’s okay to say, “I want to make money.” You must aim to build a business that not only fulfills your passion but also generates wealth. And don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
So, dream big, be ambitious, work relentlessly, and lead with purpose. Remember, your success is not just your own; it is an inspiration for others who are watching and believing they can do it too.
Get in touch with Dr. Shweta Singh-
