Insights from Future IP UK Experts Vol.10: Ragini Jain on Innovation, Strategy, and Building Lasting Impact

The world of intellectual property and innovation management is evolving rapidly, demanding leaders who can combine technical expertise with strategic vision.

At Future IP UK, we are proud to feature Ragini Jain, IP and Innovation Lead at Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), whose career reflects both a passion for global innovation and a commitment to building resilient IP strategies.

Ragini will share her expertise on the panel “Layered IP Strategies: Protecting Innovation Across Different IP Rights”, where she’ll explore how businesses can build resilient strategies that safeguard innovation while driving sustainable growth.

In this exclusive interview, Ragini Jain shares her journey into IP and innovation management, highlighting the value of embedding IP into business and R&D strategy. She explains how intellectual property can evolve from a protective function into a strategic driver of growth and competitive advantage, while reflecting on recognition, resilience, and the role of IP leaders in enabling innovation as much as safeguarding it.

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Can you share your path into innovation and IP management—what inspired you to pursue this field?

My path into innovation and intellectual property management has been shaped by both curiosity and opportunity. After completing my Master’s, I was presented with an opportunity in the IP field. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure if it was the right direction for me, but I was drawn to the chance to explore technologies across industries. Very soon, I discovered how perfectly this field aligned with my passion for exploring new technologies every day and being part of global innovation. That realization was transformative—I knew I had found the career I was meant for, and from that moment, there was no looking back.

What has inspired me to remain committed to this path is the unique blend that IP offers: the ability to engage with cutting-edge ideas while also ensuring they are protected, nurtured, and translated into real-world value. For me, intellectual property is not just about patents, trademarks, or filings—it is about enabling innovation, creating a sustainable competitive advantage, and building structures that allow ideas to thrive. The more I immersed myself in this space, the more I appreciated the strategic dimension of IP: how it can serve as both a shield and an enabler, safeguarding breakthrough inventions while driving future growth.

Looking back, what started as a career I was unsure about has become a true calling. IP has allowed me to combine my curiosity for technology, my love of global innovation, and my commitment to building lasting value. Today, I feel proud not only of the impact I have made, but also of the vision I carry forward: to keep shaping strategies that protect ideas, inspire innovation, and empower teams to contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive future.

How do you stay current on IP developments, evolving patent laws, and innovation trends across global markets?

Staying current in IP and innovation requires both continuous learning and active engagement with the global community. I make it a priority to follow evolving patent laws, policy updates, and industry best practices through a combination of structured and experiential learning. This includes attending international conferences such as London IP Week, Global IP ConfEx, and AI and IP Europe, where I have also contributed as a speaker. These platforms not only allow me to learn from global experts but also to share perspectives from my own experience, keeping my understanding fresh and multi-dimensional.

I also closely monitor publications from patent offices, legal updates from partner firms, and resources from organizations like WIPO and the European Patent Office to stay informed on procedural and legislative changes. Webinars and specialized training sessions on topics like sustainability-linked patents or AI-driven innovation further enrich my knowledge base. 

Equally important is the practical exposure I gain through my work—collaborating with external counsel, conducting competitive IP landscape studies, and leading internal workshops at CGD. These interactions provide me with insights into both the regulatory environment and the evolving technological landscape, ensuring our IP strategy remains agile and forward-looking. 

By combining external learning, global engagement, and internal application, I ensure that my knowledge is not only up-to-date but also directly relevant to the innovation and business goals of the organization.

How can organisations leverage their intellectual property for competitive advantage and as a reliable tool to aid business/R&D strategy?

Intellectual property, when managed strategically, is much more than a legal safeguard—it is a core business asset that can fuel competitive advantage and accelerate innovation. The real impact comes when organizations embed IP directly into their business and R&D strategy, making it a reliable tool for decision-making and growth.

At Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), for example, we have established a process of patent-to-product mapping, which provides real-time visibility into how our inventions are being commercialized. This not only validates the value of our IP portfolio but also guides discussions on business strategy and technology roadmaps. I also introduced IP checkpoints across the product lifecycle, integrating them into gate reviews so that protection, risk management, and competitive positioning are considered at every stage of development.

Regular updates of our IP strategy—and its deliberate utilization in roadmap and business planning—ensure that innovation is not only protected but actively leveraged. This approach enables us to anticipate risks, identify licensing or collaboration opportunities, and align R&D with market needs.

By treating IP as a strategic driver rather than a legal afterthought, organizations can strengthen their market position, attract investment, and build sustainable growth.

When you attend events such as Future IP UK, what key insights or benefits are you looking for?

When I attend events such as Future IP UK, I look for opportunities to gain fresh insights into emerging trends, evolving patent laws, and the role of IP in shaping innovation globally. These events allow me to engage with industry peers, policy experts, and innovators to understand how different sectors are approaching challenges like AI, sustainability, and standardization—factors that directly influence IP strategies. 

For me, the benefit is twofold: first, I can bring back actionable learnings to strengthen CGD’s IP strategy, ensuring it remains multi-faceted and globally aligned; second, it offers a platform to contribute to thought leadership discussions. Speaking at international platforms allows me to share CGD’s experience in embedding IP into product development and business strategy, while also learning from the global community. This continuous cycle of learning and knowledge exchange ensures that my approach evolves with industry developments and best practices. 

Ultimately, these events broaden my perspective beyond the organization, allowing me to connect with best practices, anticipate upcoming challenges, and ensure that our IP management not only protects but also propels innovation and long-term growth.

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Join Ragini Jain at Future IP UK as she shares her journey, her perspective on embedding IP into strategy, and her vision for how organizations can transform intellectual property into a true engine for innovation and sustainable success.

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Secure your spot today to join the conversation on building smarter, more agile IP strategies for the future.

Written by Min Nguyen, Content Executive