Unilever has appointed Ambalika Banerjee as its new Director of Trademarks and Brand Protection, marking a significant strategic hire in its intellectual property leadership. Banerjee’s entry reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its global brand integrity amid increasing counterfeiting and IP challenges.

Banerjee brings over 17 years of specialized experience in intellectual property law, underpinned by a strong academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Delhi and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology Law from OP Jindal Global University. Her deep expertise in trademarks and copyrights comes from a distinguished tenure as Global Lead Counsel at UPL, where she directed brand protection strategies and legal frameworks across global markets for six years.

Prior to UPL, Banerjee contributed her skills at several top-tier IP law firms, including Anand and Anand, GNP Legal, and Kochhar & Co. Her reputation as a proactive and strategic legal leader was reflected in mentions among the World Trademark Review’s Global Leaders in Corporate Trademark Lists.

At Unilever, Banerjee will lead a team tasked with safeguarding the company’s expansive trademark portfolio, which includes a diverse range of consumer goods recognized worldwide. In doing so, she will oversee trademark registration, manage anti-counterfeiting initiatives, handle enforcement actions, and collaborate closely with marketing teams to ensure brand consistency and legal compliance.

Her appointment comes at a critical time, as global consumer goods companies face growing challenges from counterfeiters exploiting e-commerce, regulatory increases, and legal complexities. Banerjee’s background in combining legal strategy with business objectives positions her well to reinforce Unilever’s approach to preventing piracy, misappropriation, and brand misuse.

Unilever’s investment in bolstering patent and trademark leadership with experienced counsel like Banerjee reflects a broader commitment to IP stewardship. The move underscores the importance of a vigilant brand protection strategy in preserving both consumer trust and shareholder value.

Reporting to senior leadership within Unilever’s legal and compliance function, Banerjee will play a central role in shaping global IP strategy. Her remit also involves cross-functional engagement—working with marketing, procurement, digital teams, and regional offices to build proactive policies that align with evolving global trademark norms.

In summary, Ambalika Banerjee’s appointment as Director of Trademarks and Brand Protection signals Unilever’s renewed focus on intellectual property leadership. With her specialized expertise in building robust IP frameworks, Unilever is poised to enhance its global defense mechanisms against brand infringement, optimize trademark portfolios, and support sustainable commercial growth.