Shehana Wijesena – Partner at Bird & Bird (International Law Firm) – Intellectual Property Group in Sydney
We at eLanka are so proud and beyond thrilled to announce that Shehana Wijesena of Sydney, Australia has joined the partnership of Bird & Bird following the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, encouragement and championing by Jane Owen, love and support from her rock star husband and “co-primary” carer, unlimited help and guidance from my beloved parents Palitha & Shiranee Wijesena, also based in Sydney, Australia, inspiration and purpose from her darling daughters Ruby and Zoe, support from Shehana’s brother, friends and clients (many of whom fall into both camps), dedication and care of daycare educators – and a sprinkle of luck!
As partner in our Intellectual Property Group in Sydney, Shehana advises the clients on all aspects of IP strategies, protection, exploitation and enforcement.
Shehana enjoys assisting clients with developing, protecting and enforcing their valuable IP rights. The key sectors of interest for her are life sciences, education and retail and consumer industries. All three present an abundance of differing IP issues from development, to commercialisation to enforcement. Shehana finds true satisfaction in helping clients reach commercial conclusions to their IP disputes and to her, this is one of the key service offerings Bird & Bird can provide its clients.
Shehana really enjoys going on the IP rights ‘life cycle’ journey with a client. Assisting a client in its early stages in Australia and seeing it through its launch, growth and consolidation (and in some instances, acquisition) is one of the great joys of being an IP lawyer. At all stages in this process, IP rights are highly valuable assets that often form the backbone of a company and being a trusted advisor in this process is very rewarding.
Shehana has a particular passion for brand and design management and commercialisation. The true power of trademarks, their associated reputation, and the importance of the shape and design of product really comes into focus when you travel. You may not be able to speak the local language fluently but clearly defined and evocative brands and designs can assist consumers in making informed, secure choices. As an IP rights owner, this is extremely valuable and I particularly enjoy assisting clients in building and managing their global trade mark and designs portfolios and commercialising and enforcing those rights. I have also become increasingly involved in helping clients protect their IP rights in the online world and have significant experience in domain name disputes.
At Bird & Bird, Shehana has been fortunate to travel globally and connect with colleagues and clients in a number of countries. That has enabled Shehana to build a practice working for clients operating not only in Australia and New Zealand but also in Europe, the USA and across Asia.
So here’s to the South Asian desi girl working mums – let’s do this!
Well done and our best wishes Shehana!
eLanka – Australia – The Sri Lankan Down Under!
ref: Bird & Bird – https://www.twobirds.com/en/people/s/shehana-wijesena
