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Portrait ofSheena Jacob

Sheena Jacob

Partner

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang (Singapore) LLP
7 Straits View #19-01
Marina One East Tower
Singapore 018936
Languages English
Intellectual Property

Sheena is the Head of the regional Southeast Asian Intellectual Property practice at CMS Holborn Asia. Qualified in Singapore, New York, England & Wales, she is a leading international lawyer in the field of Intellectual Property with more than 25 years of specialist experience in Asia. Sheena manages a team that handles trademark and patent prosecution in Southeast Asia, IP litigation and commercial IP transactions such as licensing and commercialization deals in the tech, media and life science sectors in Asia Pacific. Sheena is known for her sound, commercial advice and is widely acknowledged as a global thought leader on cutting-edge issues in the Intellectual Property field.

Sheena is also a Singapore registered patent agent, a Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public. She holds leadership positions in Licensing Executives Society Singapore and the AIPPI Singapore committee.

She is ranked as a leading Intellectual Property lawyer in numerous publications including Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2021, Asia IP Leading Stars 2021, Women in Business Law, Who’s Who Legal IP, Life Sciences 2021, Patents 2019, Who’s Who Legal Life Sciences 2022, World Trademark Review 2020 and IAM Patents 1000.

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“[the] pristine reputation of Sheena Jacob. Commended for her “client management and business developments skills, she really delivers high-level service”. The England and Wales, Singapore and New York-qualified lawyer is a magnet for US concerns for cross-border work and assistance with International Trade Commission proceedings.”

World Trademark Review, 2020

“One client indicates why her services are so sought-after: “Sheena has always been very attentive to my needs and delivers very high-quality and professional work in a timely manner. She has always been easily approachable and is easy to work with because she is quick and efficient. She is also familiar with the local scene, which makes her one of the top go-to IP lawyers in the region.”

IAM Patent 1000

Relevant experience

  • Nestle, in the first ever shape mark litigation in Singapore for the 3D shape mark for KIT KAT before the High Court and the full Court of Appeal.
  • One of the largest European conglomerates for collaboration and licensing arrangements in the field of imaging research with Singapore’s largest research institute.
  • One of the ten fastest growing Singapore companies, Hegen, in handling its global IP portfolio, including trade marks, patents and designs.
  • Acting for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in managing its trade mark portfolio in Singapore.
  • One of Singapore’s leading telco companies, Government agency GovTech and other companies on their patent portfolios.
  • Alvogen, a leading pharmaceutical company in relation to patent issues and its pharmaceutical products in Singapore.
  • Deciem, a fast growing cult cosmetics company in the launch and on-going development of its cosmetics business in Asia.
  • A world-leading media company on its intellectual property licensing, merchandising and regulatory issues in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore relating to its OTT streaming service and other businesses.
  • One of the world’s leading media companies on the IP issues relating to the creation of NFTs for its content as well as the launch of its streaming service in Philippines.
  • A technology company to set up the first ever IP Trust in Singapore to hold its IP assets and transferring ownership of its assets.
  • A leading Chinese ecommerce platform, as an expert witness in US ITC proceedings.
  • A retail market leader in IP arbitration proceedings before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
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Memberships & Roles

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • International Trademark Association
  • Treasurer, Singapore International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property 
  • Licensing Executives Society, Executive Committee Singapore
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Publications

  • Featured, Time for Transition: Energy M&A 2022
  • Trade Secrets in Singapore 2021
  • Amendments to the Copyright Law in Singapore, 2021
  • Compulsory Licensing in Singapore 2021
  • Author, International Comparative Legal Guide, Trade Marks 2018 Singapore Chapter
  • Author, The Franchise Law Review, Singapore Chapter
  • Author, Intellectual Property and Risk Management Chapters, Business Guide to Competition Law
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Lectures list

  • Speaker AIPLA Annual Meeting, Washington DC 2017, 2018
  • Panelist, Federal Circuit Bar Association, Ottawa 2018 
  • Panelist, INTA Annual Meeting 2020
  • Moderator, LES Webinar on NFTs, 2021  
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Education

  • LLM New York University, New York.
  • LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • Singapore Patent Agent
  • Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public
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TMT - Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Sheena is a leading Asian regional technology lawyer with a strong cybersecurity, media, privacy and fintech practice at CMS Holborn Asia. Holding double international privacy certifications from the IAPP, Sheena has been active in technology in Asia for more than 25 years. She also represents a significant number of industry players in the entertainment and media industry including a number of the leading streaming platforms and has strong experience with cybersecurity and data localization issues across Asia.

Sheena works closely with a team of technology lawyers and advises on regulatory issues in the media, telecoms and fintech sectors in Asia. Sheena is ranked as a leading TMT lawyer in Asia and is known for her sound, commercial advice. She has handled a number of high profile data breaches involving ransomware attacks and works closely with clients to resolve issues with customers and regulators. She is one of only a few women lawyers active in the NFT space in Asia and has advised clients on the creation and mining of NFTs and their regulation across the various countries in Asia. She advises companies on their digital assets including gaming tokens, NFTs as well as payment platforms and digital payment tokens or cryptocurrencies.

Sheena is a member of the Global Board of iTechlaw, the first Singaporean to hold this post. She was also the only lawyer in Singapore listed as one of the Top Women in Cybersecurity and has written numerous articles on privacy, cybersecurity and the regulation of fintech. She currently sits on a number of industry committees. 

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“Nominations described Sheena as being 'highly proficient in IP, IT and data privacy, as evidenced by her client base, accolades and board representation' and 'an internationally experienced data protection specialist with extensive pan-Asian credentials that few others have in the region."

ALB Top TMT 50 Lawyers in Asia 2021

“Nominations described Sheena as being 'highly proficient in IP, IT and data privacy, as evidenced by her client base, accolades and board representation' and 'an internationally experienced data protection specialist with extensive pan-Asian credentials that few others have in the region'.

Top 100 Lawyers Singapore, Asia Business Law Journal 2019

"Sheena is ranked as a Leading Lawyer for IT, Telco and Media."

Asialaw Leading Lawyers

Relevant experience

  • AI Singapore, as counsel for licensing of AI technology.
  • Several Forbes 100 companies on their data protection compliance programs for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, HK and the Philippines.
  • A leading data centre provider on its regulatory and licensing issues including telecommunications, privacy and cybersecurity issues throughout the Asia Pacific region. 
  • Companies in various industries on complex data breaches originating in Asia or resulting in data breaches affecting individuals in Asian countries including China, Korea, Japan, HK, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, India, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines.
  • A global media company on its regulatory and privacy issues across Southeast Asia.
  • A Singapore-based leading ecommerce and luxury goods company on developing its ecommerce platform.
  • A bank on implementing its cloud strategy and complying with the MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines.
  • A Singapore Government agency in implementing its privacy and data protection compliance program across its entire group.
  • A Swiss multinational on data sharing arrangements across its various companies in Asia, US and Europe.
  • An online platform in considering data localization issues in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. 
  • A payment services platform in relation to its regulatory licensing.
  • Various digital token issuers on regulations relating to the issuance and marketing of their digital tokens, including cryptocurrencies, in Asia.
  • Several gaming companies on their digital gaming token and regulations.
  • A large multinational on issuing NFTs for its content on a third party platform.
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Memberships & Roles

  • Licensing Executives Society, Executive Committee member
  • International Association of Privacy Professionals
  • International Technology Law Association, Global Board, Asia Conference Vice Chair
  • British Chamber of Commerce, ICT Committee
  • Ministry of Law, Industry Engagement Advisory Group for Legal Tech Platform, 2022
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Publications

  • Impact of GDPR in Singapore, 2021
  • Data Law Navigator, 2021
  • 5G Regulation and Law in Singapore, 2021
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Lectures list

  • Podcast, Navigating the data protection landscape in Asia, 2021
  • Tech Innovation Podcast, 2021
  • LES Webinar on NFTs, 2021 
  • Moderator, iTechlaw India Conference 2021
  • Data protection, INTA Annual Conference, 2020
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Education

  • LLM New York University, New York
  • LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Feed

30/10/2024
2024 ITechLaw European Conference in Munich
CMS lawyers are pleased to be attending the ITechLaw European Conference 2024 held in Munich on 30 October - 1 November. Below you can find our top tips for those visiting Munich for the conference, helpfully provided by our Technology lawyers based in the Munich office:Munich (Germany) is the capital of Bavaria. It is a city strongly influenced by Bavarian traditions and rich in history and culture. Many people refer to Munich as the northernmost city in Italy. This is due to the mild summer climate, a touch of Mediterranean flair and the short geographical distance to Italy. Some Facts: Distances:From Munich to the Italian border = 180 Km (approx. 112 miles)From Munich to Hamburg = 770KM (approx. 480 miles)From Munich to Berlin (580 KM (approx. 360 miles)Pop­u­la­tion:1.589.706 inhabitants (2024). The third-largest city in Germany after Berlin and Ham­burgThe city's metropolitan region is home to about 6.2 million people and the third biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Uni­on­Re­com­men­ded:Art and Culture: Munich boasts world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. Visit the Alte Pinakothek for art lovers, the Deutsches Museum for science enthusiasts, and catch a performance at the Bavarian State Opera. Rich History: Munich is steeped in history, from its medieval origins to its role as the capital of Bavaria. Explore iconic landmarks like Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the historic city gates. Green Spaces: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in Munich's expansive green spaces. Relax in the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, or explore the botanical wonders of the Botanical Garden. Transportation: Munich's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate the city. Utilize the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses (the easiest way to buy tickets is via MVV app), or explore by bike along the city's extensive network of cycling paths. Day Trips: Take advantage of Munich's central location to explore nearby attractions. Embark on day trips to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or the charming villages of the Bavarian Alps. English-friendly Destination: While German is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in Munich. Visitors can easily communicate with locals and navigate the city without language barriers. Safety and Cleanliness: Munich is known for its safety and cleanliness. Enjoy peace of mind as you explore the city's streets, parks, and attractions. Beer Culture: Munich is synonymous with beer, particularly during Oktoberfest. Experience Bavarian beer culture at traditional beer gardens like Hofbräuhaus and Au­gustin­er-Keller. Bavarian Cuisine: Indulge in hearty Bavarian dishes such as weißwurst (white sausage), pretzels, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. Don't miss out on trying traditional Bavarian delicacies at local restaurants and beer gardens e.g. Hofbräuhaus. Not re­com­men­ded:Trav­el­ling without cash: Don’t forget cash (there are still many local markets and smaller establishments that don't accept credit cards in Munich). Late hour shopping: Don't expect 24/7 shopping (unlike most major cities, Munich has strict shopping hours, and the shops close at 8pm on weekdays). Ordering the wrong beer: Don’t order a “Pilsener (Pils)”, always order a “Helles”. Ordering Bavarian wines: Why order a wine from Franken (a famous wine region in Bavaria) if you can order a French or Italian wine? Or at least a decent wine from the Rheingau; Pflalz or Mosel. Feeding the pigeons: Feeding pigeons is not allowed in and around Munich. Walking on bike lanes: Munich is full of bikers and there are many bike lanes. Please be aware that there might be a lot of traffic on the bike lanes and watch out for speedy bikers when you are a pedestrian. At CMS, we are proud to have some of the leading global legal specialists in the technology, media and communications sector. Fuelled by huge customer demand for cutting-edge products and increased supply of pioneering services, the sectors of technology, media and communications are each undergoing unprecedented change. Innovation is key, and so tech and telecoms suppliers, and creators and distributors of media, need to protect their investments and maximise their commercial opportunities. At CMS, our global team of over 1000 specialist Technology, Media and Communications (TMC) lawyers has been exposed to virtually every risk and challenge you face. With our long-standing focus on advising players, users, regulators and financiers in the sector, we are best placed to deliver innovative solutions through our award-winning disputes, transactions, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax practices. To find out more about our capabilities across TMC, please visit International TMC webpage.
08/05/2024
2024 World Technology Law Conference in Washington
CMS lawyers are pleased to be attending the ITechLaw World Technology Law Conference 2024 held in Washington on 8-10 May. Below you can find an overview of our attending partners, representing a large range of jurisdictions and practice areas. To arrange a meeting, please contact the individual lawyers directly. At CMS, we are proud to have some of the leading global legal specialists in the technology, media and communications sector. At CMS, our global team of over 1000 specialist Technology, Media and Communications (TMC) lawyers has been exposed to virtually every risk and challenge you face. With our long-standing focus on advising players, users, regulators and financiers in the sector, we are best placed to deliver innovative solutions through our award-winning disputes, transactions, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax practices. To find out more about our capabilities across TMC, please visit International TMC webpage. For further information, please see our partners attending the congress in the gallery below and an overview of all our expertise areas.
18/04/2024
Top developments and predictions in the Technology, Media and Com­mu­nic­a­tions...
We look back at the top developments over the last 12 months in the technology, media and communications (TMC) sector and we look to the future with our top predictions for the coming year for businesses...
15/04/2024
Top developments and predictions in the Life Sciences & Healthcare sector...
In this round-up, we look back at the top developments over the last 12 months in the life sciences & healthcare (LSHC) sector, and we look to the future with our top predictions for the coming year for...
15/04/2024
Top IP developments and predictions across Asia-Pacific
We look back at the top developments over the last 12 months in Intellectual Property (IP) and we look to the future by offering our top predictions for the coming year for businesses operating across...
12/04/2024
Reflections from Mobile World Congress 2024
Key takeaways from MWC 2024 and insights into The Mobile Century ‘Digital Generation’ publication. The GTWN and CMS are very proud to provide the transcript and recording of the recent GTWN/CMS webinar reflecting on the findings and insights of the Mobile World Congress as well as those written about in our flagship Mobile Century publication premiered at the Mobile World Congress, “Digital Generation’.
09/04/2024
AI Act and its implications on the automotive industry
Join us for an exclusive webinar where we delve into the intricacies of the AI Act and its implications in the automotive industry. As AI continues to revolutionize the way vehicles are designed, manufactured, and operated, it's imperative for industry professionals to understand the regulatory landscape shaping its usage. Our webinar brings together a panel of distinguished experts, including legal luminaries, representatives from the European Commission, and experts from EU legislative bodies. They will provide invaluable insights, guidance, and interpretation on the AI Act's provisions, ensuring that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact on automotive innovation and compliance.
08/04/2024
Singapore financial regulator introduces expansion of regulated payment...
On 2 April 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) introduced amendments to the Payment Services Act (“PSA”) and its subsidiary legislation to expand the scope of regulated payment services...
03/04/2024
Singapore Personal Data Regulator issues guidelines for processing children’s...
On 28 March 2024, the Singapore Personal Data Protection Commission (“PDPC”) issued advisory guidelines (“Guidelines”) that clarify how the data protection provisions in the Singapore Personal...
12/03/2024
APAC IP Update – Winter 2023/24
ChinaChina’s State Council releases Amended Implementing Regulations of the Patent LawOn 21 December 2023, China’s State Council released the Amended Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law. ...
26/02/2024
CMS at Mobile World Congress
CMS lawyers are pleased to be attending the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona on 26 – 29 February.  Below you can find an overview of our attending partners, representing a large range of jurisdictions and practice areas. To arrange a meeting, please contact the individual lawyers directly. At CMS, we are proud to have some of the leading global legal specialists in the technology, media and communications sector. Fuelled by huge customer demand for cutting-edge products and increased supply of pioneering services, the sectors of technology, media and communications have each undergone unprecedented change. Innovation is key, and so tech and telecoms suppliers, and creators and distributors of media, need to protect their investments and maximise their commercial opportunities. Our global team of over 800 specialist Technology, Media and Communications (TMC) lawyers has been exposed to virtually every risk and challenge you face. With our long-standing focus on advising players, users, regulators and financiers in the sector we are best placed to deliver innovative solutions through our award-winning disputes, transactions, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax practices. To find out more about CMS Technology, Media and Communications cap­ab­il­it­ies, vis­it our webpage belowLearn more about TMCFor further information, please see our partners attending the congress in the gallery below and an overview of all our expertise areas.
27/12/2023
Singapore proposes to extend its Cybersecurity Regime
This article is produced by CMS Holborn Asia, a Formal Law Alliance between CMS Singapore and Holborn Law LLC. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (“CSA”) has recently launched a public consultation...