Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about intellectual property practitioners, or those working in the IP profession, on a personal and professional level. This time, we meet Gillian Tan, director at That.Legal in Singapore.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
I usually keep it simple. I help companies protect and develop their ideas. As an IP lawyer, my work ranges from safeguarding trademarks and other IP to negotiating licensing and commercial agreements that allow brands to expand globally.
Talk us through a typical working day.
No two days are exactly alike, but there’s usually a rhythm. I start with client emails to handle anything urgent. The day then alternates between drafting and reviewing agreements, advising on IP filings, and occasionally having discussions with my team on ongoing matters. Before signing off, I try to carve out time to read recent case law and articles to stay current with legal and industry developments.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment, I’m working on a mix of projects, including international trademark filings and portfolio management across Asia and Europe, several licensing and merchandising deals for entertainment and consumer brands, and contentious trademark matters. I’m also advising on IP ownership and commercialisation strategies for clients developing new ventures and collaborations. The variety of work keeps things interesting.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?
Usually, multiple things at once. On most days, I’m balancing filings, oppositions, and ongoing client matters, but occasionally an urgent transactional project, such as a major licensing deal or IP acquisition, can take over the week.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
The most exciting part is seeing ideas come to life, whether it’s a new character or product in the market, a tech platform gaining traction, or a collaboration between brands.
The stress comes from the same place. IP is global and fast-moving. Clients expect quick, commercially pragmatic answers, often across multiple jurisdictions at once. Coordinating time zones, laws, and business goals can be demanding, but it’s also what makes the work rewarding.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
Curiosity: IP spans such a wide range of industries and you need a genuine interest in understanding your client’s industry and products, how they work, how they’re positioned, and what makes them valuable.
Creativity: Good IP advice isn’t just about knowing the law, but also about finding strategic, sometimes unconventional ways to protect and commercialise ideas.
Pragmatism: Clients want solutions that work in practice, not just in theory.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
That it’s just ‘paperwork’ or red tape. Many people underestimate the strategic value of IP, treating it as a formality rather than a business asset. A strong trademark or design portfolio can change the trajectory of a company, whether through licensing revenue, investor confidence, or market expansion.
What or who inspires you?
I’m inspired by entrepreneurs and creatives who take risks to build something new. Seeing how much passion and effort goes into an idea motivates me to help secure the legal protection it deserves.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be in law, but in a more people-focused area like family or employment law. I’ve always liked the idea of helping people in real-life challenges and find practical solutions. The human side of law has always interested me.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Take the time to figure out what drives you. The legal profession often nudges you towards conventional routes, but there’s value in taking a step back to understand where your strengths lie and what kind of work truly motivates you.
What is your motto in life?
My motto is to keep showing up, to be someone reliable and responsible, whether it’s to my team, clients, or family. Whether at work or at home, I think being dependable builds trust, and that’s what holds things together.
