Srinagar, April 19, 2025: Zainab Syed, a visionary lawyer from Jammu and Kashmir, has redefined the region’s creative landscape by founding Zainab Syed & Associates, Kashmir’s first Intellectual Property Rights law firm. For over ten years, Syed has been a steadfast advocate for artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, helping them protect their intellectual creations and fuelling a wave of innovation in the Valley.
Based in Srinagar, Zainab Syed & Associates specializes in securing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and design registrations, empowering creators to safeguard their work and thrive economically. From traditional Kashmiri artisans crafting pashmina shawls to tech startups launching new products, Syed’s firm provides critical legal support to ensure their intellectual property is protected. “Our mission is to make IPR accessible and understandable, especially in a region where awareness is still growing,” Syed shared during a recent PHDCCI event, acknowledging the organization’s role in amplifying her work.
Zainab Syed’s journey into IPR law began with a deep commitment to justice, honed through early experiences like her work with Amnesty International at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Recognising the untapped potential of Kashmir’s creative and entrepreneurial sectors, she established her firm to address the lack of IP protection, particularly for artisans whose crafts are often exploited. “Protecting intellectual property isn’t just legal—it’s about preserving our heritage and empowering our people,” she said, emphasising the economic impact of IP rights.
As the IPR consultant for PHDCCI Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Syed has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation. Her firm conducts workshops and awareness campaigns, educating locals about the importance of trademarks and patents. This has proven transformative for artisans, who can now brand their products, and entrepreneurs, who gain a competitive edge through protected innovations. “Zainab helped me patent my eco-friendly packaging design,” said Bilal Ahmad, a Srinagar-based entrepreneur. “It’s opened doors to national markets.”
Syed’s work extends beyond legal services, inspiring a mindset shift in Kashmir. By helping artisans transition from anonymous creators to recognized artists, she’s preserving cultural treasures like Kashmiri carpets and papier-mâché while aligning them with global IP standards, such as those of the Berne Convention. Her efforts have also supported small businesses, enabling them to secure trademarks that enhance their market presence.
Despite challenges like limited local awareness, Syed remains undeterred. She advises aspiring IPR lawyers to “embrace curiosity and dive into the technicalities of creativity,” urging them to stay updated on international trends. Her collaboration with PHDCCI has further strengthened her impact, with joint initiatives raising the profile of Kashmir’s creative economy.
Zainab Syed’s pioneering firm is more than a legal practice—it’s a movement to empower Kashmir’s creators. As the region embraces entrepreneurship and innovation, Syed’s decade of dedication continues to shape a future where artists and innovators are protected, celebrated, and poised for global success.