Aparna Watal’s path into intellectual property law wasn’t linear; she originally trained as a chemical engineer, which gave her a strong analytical foundation and a deep appreciation for innovation.
But she found herself drawn less to building things and more to protecting the ideas behind them, which led her into intellectual property law.
Watal began her legal career as a patent advisor in-house but soon transitioned to private practice. She has worked at top-tier IP specialist firms, and when they became part of a listed corporate structure, she wanted to try something new and ventured into big law with Baker McKenzie.
She really enjoyed her time at Bakers, working on global trademark portfolios for major multinational clients, and also established the firm’s New Zealand Trade Marks Practice. That experience gave her exposure to complex, cross-border brand strategy and taught her the commercial realities behind legal decisions.
Today, as the Partner and Head of the Trade Marks practice at Halfords IP, she leads the trademarks team and works closely with clients ranging from startups to global brands. Her role spans not only legal strategy but also practice building, mentoring younger professionals, and helping shape how brands protect themselves in an increasingly complex, fast-moving world.
“Trademarks also sit at this fascinating intersection of business, science, consumer psychology, and marketing, all things that I deeply enjoy,” she said.
“Technology, and AI in particular, is shaking up the brand world in a big way. I see it as a huge and positive opportunity in trademark law. Done right, tech can free lawyers from the mundane tasks so they can focus on the meaningful.”
One of the highlights of her career has been building and leading a trademark practice and helping shape its growth and direction. Moving into a leadership and ownership role allowed her not only to advise clients but also to build something meaningful: a team, a culture, and a vision for the future.
Another highlight has been helping clients navigate critical moments, whether launching a new brand, resolving a major dispute, or protecting something they’ve spent years building.
“Being trusted with those moments is incredibly rewarding. What motivates me most is the opportunity to create impact. I’m motivated by helping clients protect what they’ve created, building a practice, and mentoring others.”
Watal added that she was also motivated by the idea of legacy, building something that lasts, whether that’s a business, a body of work, or opportunities for others.
“There’s always another level for us to reach collectively, and that sense of forward momentum keeps me energised and engaged.”
The most important advice she received was to stay present and keep moving forward as careers are built over decades, but progress happens moment by moment. The ability to remain focused, adapt, and respond with clarity is what ultimately defines leadership and long-term success.
Looking ahead, she highlighted the need for work-life balance and actually restructuring the way the law industry works. With AI tools coming in, if used responsibly, they can reduce the grunt work and make legal practice more human again, not less, but that shift has to be intentional and ethical.
“You can’t tell someone to 'set boundaries' when their bonus and next promotion depend on billable hours that leave no space for life. It’s not fair to ask lawyers to be superhuman, juggling client demands, firm targets, and family, without changing the system that created that tension in the first place.”
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