Marylyn Hili is the founder of Goss-IP Legal, established in Malta in 2023. Her practice focuses on trade mark and design prosecution and litigation, as well as patent prosecution..
Before establishing her own firm, Marylyn spent 10 years at a well-established IP law firm in Malta where she developed extensive expertise in advising businesses on IP protection and enforcement strategies.
For Marylyn, the most satisfying aspect of being an independent IP attorney is seeing clients succeed.
“It all comes down to one thing: a happy client,” she says. “There’s nothing quite like guiding someone through a complex IP challenge or watching a brand grow from a spark of an idea into something fully protected and thriving in the market.”
Running her own practice since 2023 has also allowed her the freedom to choose which clients to work with, and to provide high-quality IP advice to SMEs and start-ups, many of whom may not otherwise have access to specialist intellectual property services.
“Getting to make a real difference for those clients is genuinely beyond rewarding.”
Adding value to clients
Marylyn believes that one of the greatest values she brings to clients is her ability to combine legal expertise with practical commercial advice.
“I don’t just tell clients what is legally possible,” she explains. “I help them figure out what actually makes sense for their business.”
Clients benefit from advice that is grounded in business strategy and realistic risk assessment, enabling them to make informed decisions about protecting, commercialising and enforcing their intellectual property.
Responsiveness is another hallmark of her practice.
“I am committed to efficiency and time-sensitive responsiveness, any time, any day.”
This client-focused approach is also reflected in the way Goss-IP Legal operates. Rather than treating intellectual property as a standalone legal issue, every recommendation is considered within the wider context of the client’s commercial objectives.
“For me, good IP advice isn’t just about protecting rights; it’s about making sure those rights actually serve the business.”
A best practice to share with FICPI members
One aspect of her practice that Marylyn is particularly proud of is her ability to integrate business strategy into legal advice, bringing creative, solutions-oriented thinking to every client matter.
She believes intellectual property professionals can deliver greater value when they understand not only the legal framework but also the commercial realities facing their clients. As Marylyn puts it,
“I don’t operate in a silo. Every recommendation I make is shaped by the bigger picture of what a client is trying to achieve commercially.”
This holistic approach helps clients align their IP portfolios with broader business goals and ensures that legal protection contributes directly to growth and long-term success.
A memorable client success
One case that remains particularly close to Marylyn's heart involved a young entrepreneur whose personal search for a natural approach to managing ADHD led him to formulate a functional beverage from scratch, in his own kitchen. The product was also created with ingredients that provide a healthier, cleaner alternative to conventional energy drinks, both for himself and for others with similar needs. He sought her advice to protect the brand he had built around it.
The challenge was that the brand name he had already invested heavily in was, for several reasons, not viable.
“Delivering that kind of news is honestly one of the harder parts of this job."
Rather than giving up, the client worked closely with Marylyn to identify a new brand and secure protection for it. The result was the successful launch of MEYN Energy, which is now available in supermarkets and retail outlets across Malta, with plans for wider European expansion.
“That one still reaps satisfaction every time I spot the product on the shelves at retail outlets” she confesses.
The future of IP practice
Marylyn believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have a significant impact on the intellectual property profession over the coming years.
“AI will undoubtedly reshape many aspects of IP practice, from prior clearance searches to drafting and monitoring,” she notes.
However, she does not believe technology will replace the human qualities that underpin trusted client relationships.
“Trust, empathy, judgement in nuanced situations, and the ability to read between the lines of what a client actually needs are irreplaceable.”
She believes the most successful practitioners will be those who embrace AI as a powerful tool while continuing to focus on the strategic and relationship-driven aspects of legal practice.
Value of FICPI membership
Having joined FICPI in October 2025, Marylyn has already found the organisation to be a valuable source of professional connections and international perspectives.
Over the years she has been involved with a number of IP organisations, but she particularly values the opportunity FICPI provides to build relationships with a new crowd of independent practitioners from around the world.
“FICPI has given me the opportunity to meet and mingle with new faces from across the globe, and to build a rich and lasting network of like-minded professionals.”
She adds that members have been consistently welcoming, generous with their time and open to discussing the issues and ideas shaping the future of the profession.
Marylyn is looking forward to becoming involved in FICPI’s Study & Work Group on Trade Marks and contributing to the organisation’s global community.
Final word – outside of work
Away from the office, Marylyn's priorities are simple: family, friendship and new experiences.
She enjoys spending time with her children, walking her dog, travelling with her partner and discovering new places around the world. Sharing a good glass of wine with close friends is also high on her list of favourite ways to relax.
“Family and good company are everything,” she reveals.
Looking ahead, Marylyn hopes to dedicate more time and expertise to pro bono work and charitable causes.
“I became a lawyer to make a difference,” she concludes. “One day I would like to be in a position where I can donate more time and legal expertise to NGOs and individuals who need it most. This is where my skills could have the power to potentially change someone's life.”
For Marylyn, helping people navigate challenges and create opportunities has always been at the heart of her career and remains the driving force behind her work today.
Education & training
- 2020: Master of Advocacy (LL.M.)
- 2019: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
- 2013: Masters in EU Law (LL.M.)
- 2010: Bachelor in European Studies (Hons)
Professional background
- 2023 to date: Founder, Goss-IP Legal, Malta
- 2013–2023: Intellectual Property Practitioner, IP law firm in Valletta, Malta
