Charisma Cubillo selected as a Trailblazer in WIPR’S Influential Women in IP 2020

I am proud to be selected as a Trailblazer in the World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR) Influential Women in IP 2020. I am a Larrakia woman, born in Sydney with family in the Northern Territory. I have always been interested in issues relating to Indigenous peoples. While undertaking my law degree I studied Indigenous Peoples in International Law, learning of issues specifically related to Indigenous cultural heritage, known as Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). This subject was incredibly insightful and became the catalyst for my career in intellectual property with a focus on ICIP.

As a newly appointed lawyer, I have been employed at Terri Janke and Company for just over a year. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to assist Indigenous clients with their legal enquiries and deliver Terri Janke and Company’s unique workshops including True Tracks and Looking out for Culture. This has been an invaluable learning experience.

Some highlights include going to the Merinj Kaatdijin: Aboriginal Food Knowledge Forum (2019) in Albany, Western Australia. At the forum, my colleague Desiree Leha, also a newly appointed Indigenous lawyer at TJC, presented a paper on Intellectual Property and protecting Indigenous bushfoods called “IP Food for Thought”. It was a great success and awesome to visit this beautiful part of Australia.

Another highlight was attending the 2018 World Indigenous Law Conference Waawiiatanong Ziibi: Where the River Bends in Windsor, Canada. The conference was about recognising and including Indigenous law in Western legal systems around the world. Lots of different people attended, including lawyers, judges, academics, knowledge keepers, community members and students.

Through my work at Terri Janke and Company, I have been able to see firsthand the shortfalls in the legal system in Australia and across the globe when it comes to protecting Indigenous cultural heritage. I believe that by helping clients navigate through the current legal system, we empower Indigenous people and help create a better pathway for our people in the future. Contact us I can help you with your branding and trade marks. If you would like to know more about how to register your business name, a word or logo, contact me at charisma@terrijanke.com.au or +61 2 9693 2577. I can assist file your trade marks or speak to your team about the how brands can assist you in your goals.