How Daphne Ekpe Turned Intellectual Property Into a Growth Engine for Her Firm

As the legal industry continues to evolve, so too does the profile of dynamic lawyers who are not only passionate about the law but also determined to create impact far beyond the office walls.

One of such legal luminary is Daphne Ekpe, a rising figure in Nigeria’s Intellectual Property (IP) law space, whose expertise and forward thinking initiatives have significantly enhanced both her personal brand and the global visibility of her firm, SOOB Law.

Daphne Ekpe

During her time at the firm, Daphne carved a niche for herself by actively immersing in the nuances of IP law, a field that is often underexplored within the Nigerian legal ecosystem. Her curiosity soon transformed into specialization, positioning her as a trusted authority on intellectual property rights and innovation protection.

Recognizing the importance of public awareness on intellectual property rights, Daphne sought and received the firm’s approval to embark on a public education campaign. Through a series of strategic radio interviews, she demystified IP concepts for listeners while reinforcing the firm’s expertise in this legal area. These media engagements were not just informative; they were transformational.

Listeners across Nigeria and beyond began associating the firm with thought leadership in the IP field, thanks to Daphne’s articulate presentations and command of the subject. Each appearance was carefully curated to promote both awareness and the firm’s services, elevating its reputation and attracting potential international collaborations and clients.

These radio campaigns marked a significant shift in the firm’s visibility, particularly in the technology, creative, and startup ecosystems.

Innovators, artists, and tech entrepreneurs began to reach out, seeking advice on how best to protect their intangible assets, and Daphne was ready to serve.

Beyond the media spotlight, Daphne provided core legal services in IP transactions, proving that her public engagements were backed by solid expertise. She advised both corporate entities and individual clients on IP acquisition, management, and enforcement, tailoring solutions that aligned with global standards and local compliance.

Her experience included the meticulous drafting and review of vital legal documents such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), technology transfer agreements, terms of use, and privacy policies. Each of these legal tools played a crucial role in safeguarding clients’ proprietary content, ensuring their innovations and creations were fully protected under the law.

Daphne’s advisory capacity extended into the fast-growing technology and digital business sectors, where intellectual property is increasingly the cornerstone of valuation and investment. She assisted startups in structuring their legal frameworks for scalability and investor readiness, with IP protection at the heart of the conversation.

Her ability to balance legal precision with commercial insight quickly made her a go-to professional for founders looking to navigate the complex IP landscape. Under her influence, the firm began to attract more work in this space, leading to strategic partnerships and recognition within innovation-focused circles.

In an era where legal professionals are expected to double as educators, advocates, and business enablers, Daphne exemplified all three. She demonstrated that a lawyer’s value transcends contract negotiation; it includes thought leadership, public engagement, and creating tangible value for clients.

Her work didn’t go unnoticed. Colleagues, clients, and industry observers consistently praised her initiative, creativity, and depth of knowledge. Internally, her efforts inspired younger associates to explore specialized legal practice areas, particularly IP, which was previously underleveraged in the firm’s portfolio.

Daphne also contributed to internal capacity building, organizing in-house knowledge sharing sessions where she simplified evolving IP regulations, ensuring the entire team stayed ahead of legislative trends and international best practices.

Looking ahead, her trajectory in IP law positions her as one of the emerging voices set to shape the future of intellectual property protection in Africa. Her blend of legal acumen, communication finesse, and strategic foresight is a model for modern legal practice.