Licks Attorneys is pleased to announce the hiring of Prof. Dr. Anicet Okinga, DDS Oral and Dental Surgeon, PharmD, Doctor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, as the firm’s new Pharmaceutical Patents Senior Advisor. His arrival reinforces the firm’s strategic focus on scientific excellence, high complexity patent matters, and technical depth in the pharmaceutical sector.
Prof. Dr. Okinga brings a multidisciplinary background that spans dentistry, pharmacy, and advanced research in clinical and experimental pathophysiology. His scientific experience includes work in pharmacology, neuroscience, inflammation, metabolism, and bioactive compounds—knowledge that strengthens the firm’s ability to support clients in highly technical patent disputes and prosecution strategies.
From 2017 to 2026, he served as a Patent Examiner in the Pharmaceuticals Art Unit at the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BRPTO), where he conducted substantive examination of applications involving pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, delivery systems, and medical uses. His perspective as a former examiner adds a valuable regulatory and procedural dimension to the team’s work, supporting informed and effective strategies for innovation driven clients.
His training includes the Cycle Long “Brevets d’invention” at the Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA) and advanced programs from WIPO, the EPO, and the European Patent Academy, with focus on patent drafting, examination procedures, unity of invention, and European patent law.
Beyond his technical background, Prof. Dr. Okinga has contributed to governance and diversity initiatives, serving as Honorary Counselor at the State Council for the Rights of Black People and the Promotion of Racial Equality in Rio de Janeiro (CEDINE RJ) and collaborating with the Racial Equality Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ). He also chaired the BRPTO Careers and Positions Commission between 2021 and 2023 and holds a LideraGov 4.0 certification for innovation oriented public leadership.
Anicet Okinga arrival strengthens Licks Attorneys’ capacity to navigate the intersection of science, regulation, and intellectual property, offering clients a deeper technical foundation in pharmaceutical innovation and patent protection.
