Rachel Armstrong, an IP partner in Gowling WLG's regional IP practice based in its Dubai office, has received the 2023 INTA Members for a Better Society award from the International Trademark Association (INTA). She was presented with the award by INTA's President during the recent INTA Leadership conference in Houston, US.

The award distinguishes an INTA member organization or individuals who have demonstrated a positive impact on society and in building consumer trust through initiatives relating to corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion or pro bono legal services.

Rachel received the Better Society award in recognition of her deep involvement in the INTA Women's LeadershIP Initiative (WLI) project team which is aimed at addressing gender diversity issues in the IP space.

Jon Parker, partner in Gowling WLG's Dubai office, said "I am delighted that Rachel has received this wonderful recognition for a cause which is so close to her heart. She has devoted a lot of her personal time to INTA's WLI as well as Gowling WLG's own gender diversity initiatives. She took the lead on a highly successful International Women's Day event in the UAE earlier in 2023. She is an exceptional lawyer and a fantastic role model for female lawyers in Gowling WLG, and throughout the INTA community".

Having re-joined the expanding Gowling WLG regional MENA IP team in January 2023 as partner, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge on commercialising IP rights across the GCC and wider MENA region, which further expands the scope and expertise of the growing practice. As well as Rachel joining at the start of 2023, the team has also hired other team members during the year, continuing to grow its regional team in size. It is now home to one of the largest full service dedicated IP teams within an international law firm in the region.

The growth and success of the team has been recently recognised in it being awarded the World Trademark Review "UAE Trademark Firm of the Year" for 2023. The team is also a shortlisted finalist for regional awards in the Middle East, which it is waiting for the award winners to be announced.

Looking ahead, the Gowling WLG MENA IP team will also be adding further IP lawyers in early 2024, which will include a third IP partner who will be based in Saudi Arabia, where Gowling WLG is currently securing a legal licence. These hires mean continued growth of Gowling WLG's MENA IP team but also further strengthen the team's regional capabilities with on the ground presence in Saudi Arabia through an experienced Arabic speaking IP attorney, who has practiced in a number of Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

About Gowling WLG's Intellectual Property group

Gowling WLG is a full-service firm comprising 1,500 professionals with strength across all areas of business law and litigation. With leading IP practices in Canada, China, the UAE, the UK and Europe, and – via our exclusive association with JurisAsia LLC – Singapore, and a network of trusted agents worldwide, the team helps IP owners overcome complex obstacles and optimize new opportunities – wherever business takes them. View Gowling WLG's Intellectual Property group for more information.