In the world of intellectual property (IP), like copyrights and trademarks, women leaders have made remarkable contributions. Across industries, women entrepreneurs have played pivotal roles in shaping and safeguarding the intricate landscapes of intellectual property rights. Their vision, tenacity, and groundbreaking achievements have not only fortified the legal and creative frameworks but have also propelled advancements in technology, arts, and business. From inventing new legal approaches to supporting groundbreaking innovations, these women have changed how we see IP, copyrights, and trademarks, leaving a lasting impact on the laws, creativity, and business connections.

Rutuja Kulkarni, Director, CAO, Head TM & Design at Brainiac IP Solutions is one such leader who is helping companies protect their innovations with robust patents.

Rutuja is a microbiologist and a registered Indian Trademark Agent. She has been working in the IPR industry for more than 8 years. She takes care of all patent filings and related activities. She also takes care of trademark filings, and trademark oppositions and coordinates for litigation matters. She handles all the activities related to design filing. Additionally, she handles all the communications related to Patent, Trademark, and Design filings and related activities outside India.

In this interview with Women Entrepreneur, Rutuja shares her experience in the IP industry and walks us through her career journey.

Can you please shed light on your career and academic journey?

After finishing my bachelor's in microbiology, there weren't many opportunities available in that field. The common roles were either lab testing or teaching, but those didn't appeal to me. I ended up working in the insurance industry, which was demanding in terms of time and effort but lacked creativity. When I discovered the world of Intellectual Property and Finance (IPF), it grabbed my attention immediately. Eventually, I grew passionate about this field due to its stimulating nature, unlike my previous experiences in microbiology and insurance.

Could you provide an introduction to Brainiac IP Solutions and outline the various responsibilities you undertake as the Director and Head of the Project Management and Design Department at the company?

Brainiac IP Solutions has established itself as a reputable entity in the realm of intellectual property rights for more than ten years now. Our primary aim is to assist companies in safeguarding their innovations through robust patents and consultancy services, enhancing their market presence and revenue potential. Unlike firms solely focused on compliance, our emphasis lies in value creation, aiding companies in maximizing returns from their patents, both domestically in India and globally. Our remarkable client retention and repeated business demonstrate the excellence of our services. In my role, I oversee the design department, manage administrative tasks, conduct quality checks on patent and design documents, and ensure accuracy in filings. Additionally, I contribute to system and SOP creation, handle associate training, and support  business development endeavors.

Can you talk about the team at Brainiac IP solution?

Brainiac IP Solutions has been a trusted name in the field of Intellectual Property Rights for over a decade. The team has expertise in India, the US, Europe and WIPO. The team’s skilled engineers, agents, and attorneys have a vast understanding of the needed technical and legal requirements.

Our team has been in the business for over 12 years, and we have gained a lot of experience in developing strategies that can benefit product-oriented companies. With our expertise, knowledge, and a strong desire to help, we assist entrepreneurs and inventors from all over the world in creating strategies around Patents & IPRs to maximize their profits. Brainiac continuously monitors and mentors several start-ups, MSMEs, and inventors in developing their business unique selling points through intellectual property rights.

What major challenges do you face in your current role, and what actions do you take to overcome these obstacles?

One of the significant challenges I encounter is the lack of awareness among business owners regarding Intellectual Property (IP). Many perceive patents and trademarks merely as compliance measures, not realizing their true value for their companies. This misconception often leads to legal issues or the loss of their IP rights. To address this, we regularly conduct webinars aimed at spreading awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). We've designed training programs within our practice to educate business owners on maximizing the effectiveness of their patent and trademark portfolios. Additionally, we maintain a YouTube channel dedicated to continually educating people about various facets of IP.

What leadership philosophy or approach has been instrumental in your journey to success?

In our company, we've fostered a work culture that's not only friendly but also propels growth. We firmly believe in providing ample opportunities for our team members to expand both professionally and financially. Our guiding principle revolves around a 'win-win-win' philosophy. This ethos is centered on ensuring victories for our clients, team members, and the company as a whole. It's a balanced approach where success is mutually beneficial for all stakeholders involved. This culture of collaboration and shared success has been pivotal in driving our accomplishments.

Rutuja Kulkarni, Director, CAO, HEAD TM & Design, Brainiac IP Solutions

Rutuja, a microbiologist and a registered Indian Trademark Agent, has dedicated over 8 years to the IPR industry. Her responsibilities encompass management and administration tasks. She adeptly manages all Patent filings along with related activities and oversees Trademark filings, oppositions, and coordinates litigation matters. Additionally, Rutuja efficiently handles all activities associated with Design filing. Notably, she oversees all communications concerning Patent, Trademark, and Design filings, including related activities outside India.