The Gatherer - Volume 8

I’ve found in my conversations with artists, innovators and other creatives that there are lot of misconceptions about IP rights as well, such as exactly what is protected by copyright, and how copyright comes into effect, so it’s good to be able to address some of these issues when I get to speak with creatives. Q: What in your opinion are some of the key challenges innovators, artists and other creatives face in today’s environment? A: The age of social media and the internet is presenting some really interesting issues around the IP space for artists and other creatives. On one hand, many artists such as photographers and musicians rely on the reach of social media to gain widespread exposure for their content. However, social media also makes it difficult for the artist to practically control the way in which that content is used and disseminated. It can therefore make it difficult for creatives to earn a fair wage for the content they create, even if that content is consumed by a lot of people. The technology is also moving at such a pace that it is difficult for the law to keep up.

Q: As an intellectual property lawyer, working in both our brand protection and litigation teams, what types of clients do you most frequently work with? A: I work with a wide range of clients, from start-ups and small businesses still establishing themselves and their brands, right through to large multinational companies keen to grow their IP portfolios and enforce their IP rights. As I work in the Life Sciences space in litigation, I work with mainly pharmaceutical and other medical companies. In the brand protection area, I work with clients from diverse industries. One thing that all of my clients have in common, regardless of their size or industry, is that they recognize the importance of IP to their business. The thing about IP is that businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from ensuring that their brands and innovations are protected. It’s also important for businesses that are starting out, or embarking on new projects, to ensure that these initiatives do not infringe the IP rights of others, so a lot of the clients I work with consider IP from this perspective as well.

Q: A little birdie told me that you sing magnificently! How did you find your way to us at Wrays? And how do you balance your artistic and creative side with the pressures of legal practice? A: Who told you that?! I initially came on board at Wrays as a winter law clerk whilst studying at University. I stayed on as a paralegal while finishing my studies and started as a law graduate (after a long holiday!) once I finished my studies. I’ve been here for five years now. It’s great having a creative outlet outside of the world of legal practice and doing something completely different to what I do day-to-day at work. One thing that is similar between the two is that I have the pleasure of meeting a lot of talented and creative individuals with great ideas both working as a musician and as an IP lawyer. I think having a serious hobby or pursuit outside of work is a great way to have a proper work-life balance and helps me be a better and more engaged lawyer. Q: Have you ever had the opportunity to use your knowledge of intellectual property law to assist artists, innovators or other creatives? A: Certainly – IP issues are constantly popping up for musicians and other artists – from copyright in their songs and compositions, to terms and conditions on websites and social media where artists share their creations and content, as well as agreements with publishers, record companies and other businesses in the arts industry that creatives deal with on a regular basis.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT BINDHU HOLAVANAHALLI

8|The Gatherer

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