ALYAFI IP - Key Persons


Ahmad Al Houkail

Job Titles:
  • Partner

Ahmad Khaldoun Al Dhahir

Job Titles:
  • IP Legal Counselor
  • Jordan Branch Partner / Ahmad Al
Dhahir is the legal adviser of Alyafi IP group in Jordan. He is Partner and Advocate in Al- Bayan Law Firm, and Lecturer in many training institutes and Universities.

Ahmed AL-Qasimi

Ahmed AL-Qasimi AL-Qasimi is a business developer specializing in intellectual property, with strong experience in expanding the customer base and increasing awareness of intellectual property, especially innovation topics. He works hard to achieve business goals by employing innovative marketing strategies and building strong relationships with customers and business partners. He has a strong background in intellectual property and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this sector.

Albandari Aldweesh

Albandari is an active member of a number of intellectual property organizations including the International trademark association (INTA).

Assem Rehan

Assem Rehan serves as a Junior Lawyer and esteemed member of Alyafi IP Group Egypt, bringing a wealth of expertise in intellectual property laws, corporate matters, and handling disputes spanning criminal, civil, and administrative law domains. Specializing in the intricate field of intellectual property law, Assem plays a crucial role in guiding clients through various legal landscapes. His scope of practice covers a diverse range, including trademarks, patents, industry models, copyrights, franchise agreements, and more. As a legal consultant, Assem provides valuable insights to clients seeking to register their innovations, offering strategic advice on navigating the complex processes involved. Beyond his role as a consultant, Assem actively engages in resolving disputes that may arise due to conflicts, imitations, or violations. He adeptly navigates the intricacies of dispute resolution within the competent registration offices and serves as a representative before the courts. This involves a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution, ensuring that client's interests are protected and legal matters are resolved efficiently. As a multifaceted legal professional, Assem's contributions extend beyond the realm of intellectual property, encompassing corporate law and dispute resolution in criminal, civil, and administrative spheres. His diverse skill set positions him as a valuable asset within Alyafi IP Group, where he continues to provide nuanced legal support to clients seeking guidance in a broad spectrum of legal matters.

Awad Fouda

Job Titles:
  • Bahrain Branch Partner
Awad Fouda is a highly experienced legal professional with over 40 years of expertise in the field. Alyafi Ip group partner in Bahrain, he is recognized for his proficiency in both intellectual property law and commercial law within the region. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on client satisfaction, Awad navigates complex legal landscapes with precision and dedication. With a career spanning over four decades, Awad Fouda has established himself as a leading authority in intellectual property law and commercial law in Bahrain. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has successfully handled a myriad of intellectual property cases, utilizing his in-depth knowledge and strategic approach to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. Moreover, Awad's unparalleled experience in commercial law has enabled him to provide invaluable counsel to clients involved in diverse business transactions and legal matters. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and his dedication to delivering tailored solutions have earned him a reputation for excellence within the legal community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Awad is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of legal professionals. His mentorship initiatives continue to inspire and empower aspiring lawyers, ensuring a legacy of legal excellence in Bahrain and beyond.

Bahia Alyafi Fortunato

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director Innovation

Basim Haroon Al Zadjali

Job Titles:
  • Partner

Fatima Shaito

Job Titles:
  • Qatar Branch Manager
Her practice includes managing and following up clients' brand strategies, protecting and enforcing portfolios rights. Her clients range from international conglomerates to local start ups. Fatima is the GCC Representative of Intellectual Property at Alyafi IP Group, with a law decree. She is experienced and well versed in Qatar and GCC Intellectual property laws ranging from trademarks, designs, patents, and copyrights. Her focus is on managing and following up on clients' portfolio in the GCC Countries. Specifically, Fatima handles the prosecution strategy of domestic and foreign applicants in a range of industries. Fatima also represents clients at the trademark office tribunals with regards to opposition proceedings and rejections in addition to office actions. Fatima also drafts written statements with regards to filing appeals before Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal and replying to the Trademark Office's counterclaims, cancellation action cases, attends hearings, and follows up final court judgements. Fatima has been involved in Intellectual property matters for more than 7 years, in different functions. In addition, Fatima has built over the years a strong business relationship with her offices and clients due to her high sense of ownership and responsibility. In addition, Fatima is very detailed oriented which helped in organizing a smooth training program to assist and enable new team members to understand our work process and different trademark registration regulations and processes in multiple Arab countries.

Ghiwa EL Zein

Job Titles:
  • Intellectual Property Administrator
Ghiwa EL Zein is a highly accomplished Intellectual Property Administrator who possesses extensive expertise in the management and protection of intellectual property assets. She possesses a deep understanding of intellectual property law and regulations, ensuring strict compliance and safeguarding the company's innovations, trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Ghiwa excels in conducting meticulous research to avoid infringement upon existing intellectual property rights, actively collaborating with internal teams, legal counsel, and government agencies to streamline filing and registration processes.

Hamadi Ben Rejeb

Hamadi Ben Rejeb brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the head of the Tunisia branch office for Alyafi IP Group. Armed with a Maîtrise Combinée in Business and Management from the I.B.L.V University of Tunis, Hamadi possesses a solid foundation in both business principles and management strategies.

Hamdi Ben Rejeb

Job Titles:
  • Tunisia Branch Partner

Jamal Alzgougou

Job Titles:
  • Partner

Jamal Zgougo

Job Titles:
  • Professional and the Partner

Joanna Nachef

Job Titles:
  • Regional Manager
  • Chief Financial Officer - CFO
Bringing with her extensive experience in financial management and strategic leadership. With a proven track record in multinational corporations and leading financial consultancy, she has demonstrated expertise in driving financial excellence and operational efficiency across diverse industries. Prior to joining Alyafi IP Group, Joanna served as the Financial Controller at Nestle Waters, Lebanon, where she oversaw the management of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting on a monthly and yearly basis. Her leadership was instrumental in spearheading manufacturing cost-saving initiatives, implementing internal processes, and leading the implementation of a new business model and route-to-market strategies. She maintained a direct reporting line to the Headquarters Finance team in Switzerland and France, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with global financial objectives. During her tenure at Nestle Waters, Joanna played a pivotal role in enhancing internal controls and system improvements, while also developing the capabilities of her team through continuous finance training. She served as the custodian of financial justifications for major capital expenditure projects and contributed as a member of the Nestle Gender Balance team and Safety Compliance Team in the AOA region, highlighting her commitment to diversity and safety initiatives. Before her role at Nestle Waters, she served as a Senior Associate at Price water house Coopers, where she led audit engagements in Lebanon and France across various industries including insurance, banking, manufacturing, and retail. She specialized in conducting analytics of clients' businesses, ensuring compliance with risk management procedures, and advising on process improvement reports.

Lea El Feghaly

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager - IP Legal Services
At the forefront of intellectual property law, Lea Feghaly stands as a distinguished Senior Manager of IP Legal Services at our firm. Lea's strategic legal acumen has been pivotal in navigating complex trademark and patent cases at both the TMO and Patent Office levels, as well as in judicial courts across the GCC and MENA regions. Her hands-on experience with clients ranging from haute couture fashion houses and the F&B industry to innovative medical device companies has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of industry-specific IP challenges. Lea's adeptness in crafting tailored strategies for each sector has led to numerous victories and favorable resolutions for her clients. This includes securing trademark protections, defending patent rights, and negotiating settlements that align with her clients' business objectives. Lea's comprehensive approach to IP law ensures that every case is managed with the utmost attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the unique aspects of each industry she serves. Her commitment to excellence has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and formidable advocate for intellectual property rights across the region. Lea's commitment to the field extends beyond the courtroom. She is a dedicated educator, having delivered a series of focused Intellectual Property trainings aimed at empowering professionals and students alike. Her sessions have been featured at prestigious institutions and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce in Amman, Notre Dame University in Beirut, Agrytech in Beirut, Speed at BDD in Beirut, King Hussein Business Park in Amman, and UMNIAH. In her pursuit of continuous professional development, Lea completed the Fundamentals of Technology Transfer course with ASTP Proton in November 2019. This advanced training has further honed her skills in knowledge transfer, equipping her with the essential tools for engaging with inventions and inventors, navigating licensing agreements, and fostering successful partnerships. Additionally, Lea possesses keen insights into the intricacies of establishing spin-off companies, including a comprehensive understanding of the broad financing possibilities available to innovators.

Mike Badran

Job Titles:
  • IP Legal Counselor
  • Leader of the UAE Branch Office for Alyafi IP Group
  • UAE Branch Manager
Mike Badran serves as the esteemed leader of the UAE branch office for Alyafi IP Group, where he has played an integral role for over 15 years. With a solid foundation in Business Management, Mike has honed his expertise in navigating the intricate realm of intellectual property law within the UAE. In his capacity, Mike oversees a diverse portfolio of clients, both domestic and international, ensuring their intellectual property rights are protected and maximized to their fullest potential. His extensive experience allows him to craft tailored strategies that align with each client's unique objectives and industry landscape. Throughout his tenure, Mike has cultivated strong relationships within the UAE business community and legal sphere, solidifying Alyafi IP Group's reputation as a trusted authority in intellectual property matters. His proactive approach and commitment to delivering exceptional service have garnered him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike. Driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence, Mike remains at the forefront of intellectual property law in the UAE, continually adapting to evolving regulations and industry trends to provide clients with the highest level of representation and support.

Mohamed Abou Nasr

Job Titles:
  • Expert
Mohamed Abou Nasr is a respected expert in intellectual property law, boasting over 18 years of experience. Known for his skills in both fighting legal battles and handling legal processes, he's been instrumental in leading the Egypt team at Alyafi IP Group to great success in intellectual property cases. Mohamed Abou Nasr is a leading expert in intellectual property law in Egypt. With his extensive experience, he manages a variety of legal tasks, including fighting court cases and handling legal procedures, with great care and skill. His deep understanding of intellectual property law makes him a trusted advisor for both local and international clients seeking legal guidance. Mohamed pays close attention to detail and is committed to providing top-notch service to each client. His strategic thinking and dedication have led to many important legal victories, establishing him as a respected authority in the field. In addition to his legal work, Mohamed is passionate about mentoring the next generation of lawyers. He actively participates in programs to help young lawyers learn and grow in the field of intellectual property law.

Mowafak Alyafi - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner

Nawaf Khlaif Abdullah Alenezi

Job Titles:
  • Partner

Rimi Kbar

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager - IP Strategy and Consultancy Service
With over 10 years of experience in helping clients protect and leverage their intellectual property rights. She specializes in trademark and patent advisory, litigation, licensing, and counseling in various industries. Rimi is also part of the commercialization and Tech Transfer services unit provided by the firm. She also advises clients on trademark and patent portfolio management, due diligence, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses. Rimi holds a Master's degree in International Business Law with a thesis focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in relation to the intellectual property legal framework, namely liability. Her practice focuses on intellectual property legal advisory and strategy, as well as portfolio management. Rimi has extensive experience with IP prosecution, litigation, & enforcement, as well as portfolio development & management. Her portfolios range from international conglomerates such as Illumina Inc., Phibro Animal Health, Gazprom PJSC, Sony Pictures Television Inc., TY Inc. Motion Pictures Association, to elite universities such as MIT, and local firms, such as Lebanese Fruit Juice Company (Bonjus), Debbas SAL., and Optimal Medics. Her focus is on managing client's IP portfolios, including trademarks, patents, copyright, designs, including coordination and involvement in all legal work, and portfolio enforcement and maintenance, as well as drafting legal documents and providing IP strategies and legal analysis and advisory to clients. Rimi has a Certificate in Research Commercialization from the University of Cambridge, and works with researchers, start-ups, and universities to assist them with commercializing their research and bringing their vision to life, as well maintain their IP rights. Rimi has tremendous training and workshop delivery skills whereby she has provided trainings to Astrolabs (Dubai), ELCIM, Notre Dame University and Speed Accelerator. Rimi is an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and is an active member in the Bulletins sub-committee. Some of her publications with Thomson Reuters include: Patent Litigation Global Guide (GCC) and Trademark Litigation in KSA (2017-2018).

Samarah Sarieddine

Job Titles:
  • IP Legal Counselor
  • Legal Counselor at Alyafi - IP Group
Samarah Sarieddine is currently an IP Legal Counselor at Alyafi-IP Group. She assists clients in managing their portfolios and protecting their intellectual property rights. Samarah holds a Bachelor degree in Law and is currently pursuing her master's degree in Legal data processing. Samarah has an extensive experience in drafting and reviewing various legal documents relating to intellectual property such as patent applications, trademark registrations and licensing agreements. Samarah is responsible for managing portfolios, ensuring compliance with intellectual property Laws, tracking key deadlines for patent and trademark applications. Samarah assists in conducting legal researches, drafting cease and desist letters, notices and replies to oppositions and rejections. Samarah helps in identifying valuable inventions, strategizing patent filings, and monitoring the maintenance and renewal of existing patents. Samarah has recently become the International Trademark Association (INTA)

Tima Hachem

Job Titles:
  • Deputy General Manager
  • Regional Manager
  • Joanna Nachef
Tima works on a range of IP matters in the GCC area, and Mena region, on a particular focus on the enforcement of complex IP Litigation cases Tima is currently leading the Innovation & Patents Department at the firm. She has over 18 years as Legal Counsel, overseeing legal aspects of all intellectual rights with a focus on innovation and technology. Tima assists clients to transfer their Ideas, new project, and new technology into Patents this includes prior Art search, Patent Drafting, freedom to operate opinions, technology assessment, and competitor assessment. Also, she leads the commercialization process of products, solutions, and services, from assessment to creating the requisite material, to negotiation with the potential and finalizing deals. Qualifications: Master's Degree Intellectual Property Law, IUL Bachelor's Degree in Law, Lebanese University Certification in Research Commercialization, University of Cambridge