This is a part of the interview series that we are doing with the current MIPLM graduates from CEIPI and Adriana De Moura is a graduate of the MIPLM class of the year 2024. The MIPLM is a Master’s course in IP Law and Management conducted at CEIPI every year starting in January to September.

Summary of the key answers by Adriana De Moura:

  • The MIPLM is diverse and is well suited for individuals that are looking to specialize their knowledge in IP Law and management.
  • The MIPLM gave me a thorough understanding of how IP can be leveraged as a strategic business asset, particularly in the context of complex global operations.
  • The skills and knowledge in IP management gained through the MIPLM are set to become more increasingly essential, given the rapidly evolving global landscape.

IP business academy: What is your professional background and how did you come to the area of IP and IP management?

Adriana De Moura: I have a technical background with a degree in electronics, and I am also an attorney at law. I hold a Master’s degree in Law and Economics, a Master’s degree in International Law and I recently completed the Master’s in Intellectual Property Law and Management at CEIPI. I began my career with an understanding in competition and economic law, so I naturally extended this to study IP because I have always felt the need of having a more critical role in shaping markets whether in dynamics or innovation strategies.

How did your studies at the MIPLM further expand your knowledge in IP Management?

The program focuses on practical discussions about current trends, challenges, and the integration of IP into business strategy, which deepened my understanding of its role across various industries. I also had the pleasure and invaluable opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse industries. Further, the exchanges and experiences in the working room as well as during the lectures allowed me to gain different perspectives on IP Management.

Do you already see how the MIPLM has helped in your career development or could you explain some situations where you can tell that taking the MIPLM has already helped you in your professional life?

The MIPLM gave me a thorough understanding of how IP can be leveraged as a strategic business asset, particularly in the context of complex global operations, such as the case studies we worked on. A key example from my current role is the digital platforms and solutions Nidec is developing. In these large-scale projects, I collaborate closely with R&D, business, and strategy teams. The course equipped me not only to establish strong IP rights for these initiatives but also to lead discussions on incorporating sustainability into the strategy. This has allowed me to create a competitive edge in both innovation and corporate responsibility for the company. Additionally, in my previous role, where I managed operations against counterfeiters and piracy, I applied insights from the course to successfully implement an effective enforcement strategy.

Who would you recommend now to take this course? Who is it best suited for?

The course is diverse and is well suited for individuals that are looking to specialize their knowledge in IP Law and Management. It caters to a wide range of professionals, including those with legal and business backgrounds, R&D and innovation managers, entrepreneurs, startup founders, policymakers, as well as IP professionals and consultants. 

Do you think that the skills that we teach are really oriented on the future topics and will the IP management skills that we are teaching become more important in the future? And why would you think so?

I strongly believe that IP management and the skills gained through the MIPLM will become increasingly essential, especially given the rapidly evolving global landscape. For instance, with the rise of IoT technology, the discussions during the course were crucial in shaping ideas about how to translate the virtual aspects of IoT into reality. These conversations explored how to establish frameworks that grant creators exclusive rights to these new developments and how they can navigate this landscape to create not only greater opportunities for companies, but also improved policies, and enhanced economic growth for our countries.

The course teaches you to recognize the challenges, learn from them, and envision yourself working in this evolving world to deliver tangible results for your clients. This is how we can harness IP to make a real difference in the world.

About the author

Denise Norah Namuga is a committed IP enthusiast, passionate about using the IP system to foster creativity and make it more inclusive for developing countries. She has a Bachelor of Laws from Uganda Christian University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center in Kampala. Currently she is Junior Associate at AF Mpanga Advocates.