We interview Aakriti Vadehra, Partner at Kan & Krishme in India, to learn more about her journey from science to intellectual property as we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026.
Tell us about your professional background and your move into IP
I started my academic and professional journey with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering, which provided a strong foundation in signal processing, wireless communications, semiconductor systems, and telecommunications principles.
After realising the strategic importance of protecting technology, I pursued legal training, completing an LL.B. in India and an LL.M. from The George Washington University Law School in Washington DC.
Today, I am a Partner at Kan and Krishme, a registered Indian Patent and Trademark Attorney, and an Advocate enrolled at the Delhi Bar Council. My practice is focused on patent drafting and prosecution in high-technology domains including standard essential patents (SEPs), drafting licensing agreements, and advising clients globally on securing and enforcing intellectual property rights.
How does your science expertise play a part in your career as an IP attorney?
My technical expertise in electronics and telecommunications is central to my daily work as a patent attorney. I frequently draft and prosecute patent applications in areas such as wireless communications, antenna technologies, RF systems, network protocols, and semiconductor implementations.
I also regularly work on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and standards-related inventions, especially in telecommunications, where deep knowledge of standards frameworks and technical specifications is necessary for drafting, claim strategy, and compliance with global SEP frameworks.
Note: FICPI members may log in to the FICPI website to read Aakriti’s article “Essential moves: mastering SEP prosecution in India” in Issue 3 of The FICPI Journal.
What motivated you to move into patent law?
My motivation to transition into patent law came from a desire to remain connected with cutting-edge technology, while also helping innovators protect commercial value.
I see patent law as the space where engineering insight meets strategy and legal precision, enabling inventors to transform ideas into secured, tangible business assets.
How do you find the culture of working in a law firm vs working in science?
As a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), I felt gender imbalance more in science than in the law firm environment. This gender imbalance still persists in STEM today and continues to influence visibility, leadership opportunities, and mentoring access.
Scientific environments emphasise exploration, foundational understanding and revolve around iterative experimentation and discovery. Meanwhile, law firms operate with a sharper client focus and commercial cadence, where meeting deadlines, managing prosecution strategy, and delivering legal outcomes are priorities.
Patent law generally provides clearer financial progression compared to many science roles (aside from industry research), particularly when one’s technical skills are paired with legal qualifications.
Personally, I am pleased that I made the move into IP law.
How has your FICPI membership contributed to your career?
One of the most significant outcomes of moving into patent law has been the expansion of my professional network on a truly global scale. Through active involvement in international organisations such as FICPI and the general IP community, I have had the opportunity to engage with patent practitioners, in-house counsel, and policymakers from diverse jurisdictions and technical backgrounds.
For women transitioning from science into IP, this ability to build a visible, international professional network is a powerful and often under-appreciated aspect of the profession, offering both career growth and a strong sense of community within the global innovation ecosystem.
Thank you Aakriti, we wish you all the best for a continued bright career!
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.”