Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about intellectual property practitioners on a personal and professional level. This time, we meet Beatriz Lima, partner at NLP in Portugal.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
I’m a lawyer and a litigator. I recently co-founded my own law firm in Lisbon, specialising in IP. I’m lucky enough to work with friends who are also professionals I deeply trust and admire, and together we help clients protect big innovations.
Talk us through a typical working day.
My day starts early in the morning with music and a calm breakfast at home, ideally with a bit of sunlight. Usually, I take the subway to the office, which is in the city centre. If I have some extra time, I like to walk, which gives me a moment to think before the day picks up speed.
Once I’m at my desk, the first thing I do is organise my inbox, return urgent calls, and answer quick emails. If a particular matter needs my attention, I like to dive in without distraction. I prefer flow over constant interruptions. That’s why I also prefer to schedule calls and meetings in blocks for specific issues.
To disconnect, I practice yoga weekly, I walk home 2 or 3 times a week and at least once a week arrange a non-business-related plan.
What are you working on at the moment?
Recently, our firm represented a client who won a preliminary injunction case before the Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court in Luxembourg, overturning an earlier decision from the Lisbon Local Division.
While I continue to be involved in UPC cases, I’m also focused on coordinating national patent litigation cases mostly in the pharma sector.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?
It’s definitely a mix of both. Owning a practice means I inevitably wear several hats, managing the business while handling client matters.
That said, I’ll be honest: I’m not a big fan of constant multitasking. I believe focus leads to better results. So, I prioritise what’s most urgent and give it my full attention before moving on to the next challenge. It’s a balancing act, but one I’ve been learning to manage over time.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
As a founding partner, watching the business thrive is incredibly rewarding even if it can sometimes be stressful. It’s the proof that all the effort is paying off.
In the work itself, the most stressful moments are the bursts of adrenaline before a court hearing, which test patience as much as preparation. What I found more exciting is uncovering that one small detail that can completely change the course of a case. It’s a bit like a strategic game: never reveal all your cards at once and always keep a surprise up your sleeve.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
Technical expertise is essential, of course, but I believe the human side is just as important. IP law is about people, their ideas, and their businesses, so strong interpersonal skills matter as much as legal knowledge. Beyond that, I think success comes from working in areas where you can truly add value, where your passion meets your skills, so the work feels less like effort and more like purpose.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
That it’s overly complex, distant and only matters somewhere down the road. In reality, IP is neither mysterious nor optional, it’s a strategic asset from the very beginning. The earlier businesses think about IP and integrate it into their plans, the stronger their position will be in the long run.
What or who inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many sources and tend to be very attentive to the world around me.
Staying open to new experiences keeps my inspirations evolving. I try to see something valuable in everyone I meet and learn from them. My family, friends, and teams inspire me daily. I also find a lot of inspiration in the sea, its vastness, depth, and ever-changing nature.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
I think I’d gravitate toward something that combines creativity and human connection. I love fashion, interior decoration, aesthetics in general, as well as traveling, so perhaps a role in the lifestyle world (curating experiences and spaces or working in a field that brings beauty and inspiration into people’s lives).
At the same time, I’m deeply fascinated by understanding people’s minds and behaviours, which could translate into coaching, psychology, or work focused on building meaningful connections.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
In both life and work, it’s easy to overthink or try to please everyone, but the biggest growth often comes from following your gut, being authentic, and taking the opportunities that truly matter.
What is your motto in life?
Focus on influence, not regrets. Energy is precious, so focusing on what you can influence and the people and projects that truly matters makes both work and life far more fulfilling.
