We interview Vanessa Sette Campo Ahlert, Partner at Dannemann Siemsen in Brazil, as part of our celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026. We find out more about Vanessa’s move from science into the intellectual property field.
Tell us about your professional background and your move into IP
I hold a degree in environmental engineering and moved directly into the intellectual property realm after graduating, rather than working first in a traditional engineering or research role.
The opportunity to work in IP came up shortly before I finished university, and at that stage, the combination of technical work, professional stability, and long-term career prospects was particularly appealing.
Over time, I saw first-hand how essential IP is to innovation, and I realised that the work suits me well. I also find it very interesting to see leading edge technological developments and to follow ideas as they evolve into real-world innovations that eventually reach the consumers or business users.
How does your science expertise play a part in your career as an IP attorney?
My scientific background is part of my daily work as an IP attorney. My engineering training helps me really understand what’s behind an invention, ask the right technical questions, and have objective discussions with inventors and applicants.
Having a technical mindset is essential when drafting patent applications or assessing patentability. It allows me to understand complex technologies and translate them into patent applications that effectively protect clients’ IP rights.
What motivated you to move into patent law?
I didn’t move into patent law as part of a long-term plan; it began as an opportunity that came up at the right time. I stayed for the intellectual challenge, the constant exposure to new technologies, and the chance to work with people from different fields and backgrounds.
Being able to apply my engineering training in a practical way, combined with the chance to interact with international peers, is what keeps me motivated.
How do you find the culture of working in a law firm?
From my perspective, in both engineering and law, women are still underrepresented in senior positions. During my engineering studies, women were a minority, and I faced some challenging moments related to gender bias in the classroom.
In law firms, there has been progress, but I believe leadership roles are still more often held by men. People often relate more easily to peers with similar backgrounds, and when leadership lacks diversity, it can unintentionally lead to the same profiles being promoted again and again.
I’ve also noticed that diverse professionals are sometimes invited into conversations mainly to speak about diversity itself, rather than being equally included across broader technical or strategic discussions. Change needs to be intentional, and it’s encouraging to see different perspectives truly gain space when DEIA is not just a statement, but part of the workplace culture.
How has your FICPI membership contributed to your career?
For students and young professionals, especially women, seeing different paths and different people represented really matters. This also includes women from regions that are often less visible in global conversations, such as Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
IP is a global field, and platforms that highlight diverse career paths help make those possibilities feel more visible, relatable, and achievable across different regions and backgrounds.
Since recently joining FICPI, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with very experienced and welcoming peers and to start participating in the DEIA group and PMC discussions. Although I’ve just started my journey within the organisation, I already see tremendous potential for learning and growth, especially through the global dialogue and spirit of mutual cooperation that FICPI promotes.
Thank you Vanessa, we appreciate the insight into your career in IP!
Next steps:
- Explore opportunities to engage with FICPI’s committees and work groups, covering areas from practice management to international patent matters. Active participation offers a valuable platform to exchange expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute to shaping best practices and future developments in the global IP profession.
- This interview is an initiative from FICPI’s DEIA Committee, click to find out more and get involved.
- Attend our FICPI and FICPI-Türkiye one-day seminar in Istanbul (20 April), bookings now open.
- Join us at the FICPI Open Forum in Budapest (16-19 September), pre-register now.
Both the seminar and Open Forum are open to any interested party in the IP profession.
UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Celebrated on 11 February, 2026 marks the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 31st anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. This year’s theme for IDWSG is “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.”