Tolu Olaloye

Tolu is a highly experienced professional with over 14 years of experience in legal practice, particularly in intellectual property (IP) law, regulatory matters, policy, and taxation. Tolu has developed deep expertise in managing and protecting IP portfolios across the African, ASEAN, and Middle Eastern regions. She has in-depth knowledge of over 40 jurisdictions in Africa and has established herself as a trusted advisor in IP dispute resolution, policy issues, regulatory matters, commercialization, registration, and enforcement.

Tolu’s ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory IP landscapes has made her an invaluable asset to her clients. Her deep knowledge of both national and regional IP laws, along with her cross-jurisdictional experience, allows her to offer strategic, practical solutions to her clients’ IP and commercial challenges.

Tolu's leadership extends to her role in overseeing a team of associates and agents across Africa and providing expert advice on brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. She is also highly regarded for her domain name expertise, skillfully managing issues related to registration, disputes, and transfers of domain names, with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic digital landscape.

She has executed several IP CSR programmes on behalf of Jackson, Etti & Edu in various IP Clubs across Nigerian universities and is recognized as one of the pioneers of the firm’s Technology Start-Up Initiative where the IP Practice supports Nigeria’s budding innovative entrepreneurs through bespoke legal and business service packages.

Her dedication to shaping the future of IP law is demonstrated through her involvement in various industry bodies. She liaises with different IP organizations, such as IPLAN, WIPO Nigeria and INTA on programmes for IP awareness in Nigeria geared towards achieving sustainable development.

In 2022, Tolu was appointed a Member of the Government Liaison Committee of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN), where she plays a key role in monitoring regulatory changes and liaising with government agencies. She has also contributed to the creation of the Geographical Indication Law in Nigeria, as a member of Technical Working Group (TWG) for the establishment of the GI law in Nigeria; and serves on the INTA Programming Advisory Council.

Tolu is actively engaged in advocacy, particularly in empowering women within the legal profession. She led the Advocacy Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Women Forum and presently the 1^st Vice chairperson of the Sports, Entertainment, and Media Committee of the NBA-Section on Business Law. Her professional affiliations include the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), the Intellectual Property Lawyers Association of Nigeria (IPLAN), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the International Trademark Association (INTA).

Having been ranked and recognized by IP Stars (Managing IP’s rankings publication) as a top IP expert, Tolu Olaloye continues to make significant contributions to the IP field, offering clients a blend of strategic legal solutions, industry insights, and a global perspective on IP management.