Christianah Akinyemi, Redefining Data Privacy And Technology Law
In the fast-paced realms of data privacy and technology law, Christianah Olawumi Akinyemi has emerged as a trailblazer. With a legal career spanning Nigeria and the United States, she is earning recognition as a thought leader, blending her legal expertise with a passion for digital rights advocacy and innovation.
Christianah’s academic foundation was laid at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she earned her LL.B with Second Class Honors (Upper Division). Her drive for justice and governance led her to the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Bar, focusing on corporate law and professional ethics.
Her career began at Lagos-based Tokunbo Olugbenga and Co, where she excelled in intellectual property law, handling trademark registrations, intellectual property risk assessments, dispute resolution, and data privacy. Reflecting on her work, she says, “Intellectual property law became more than a practice; it became a tool to empower creators and innovators.”
Christianah further honed her expertise in data protection while at Kings Guards Nigeria Limited, developing governance frameworks that integrated data privacy principles into business operations.
Currently pursuing an LL.M in Intellectual Property and Technology at American University Washington College of Law, she merges academic insight with hands-on experience. Recognized as a Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property Scholar, she has excelled in Cyber Law, Trademark Practice, and Information Privacy, equipping her to address global legal challenges.
Her professional journey in the U.S. includes her impactful work as an intern at the Technology Innovation Law Firm (T-I-L). Here, she has advised on brand protection strategies, managed complex trademark cases, and contributed to the development of Tilly, an AI-powered legal tool assisting lawyers with intellectual property issues. “Innovation drives our work at T-I-L, and Tilly represents a new era of efficiency and accuracy in legal practice,” Christianah explains.
Her passion for data privacy extends to public discourse. Christianah recently contributed to debates surrounding the TikTok ban in America, penning the article TikTok Under Scrutiny: Balancing National Security and User Privacy in the Digital Age, which explored the complex interplay between national security and data protection.
Christianah’s dedication goes beyond her career. As a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb, UK), she demonstrates a commitment to governance and legal excellence. Additionally, she has mentored young lawyers through her work with the Young Lawyers’ Forum of Nigeria, encouraging them to explore opportunities in intellectual property law.
At T-I-L, she has spearheaded client education initiatives, leading training on artificial intelligence and data privacy to emphasize ethical technology use. Her vision is clear: to harness intellectual property law as a driver of innovation and economic growth. “In a world fueled by technology and creativity, intellectual property is the cornerstone of progress,” she asserts.
Christianah’s contributions have garnered widespread respect. As Vice President of Operations for the LL.M Board at American University, she influences key discussions on intellectual property and technology law. She also continues to foster awareness through conferences, training programs, and her membership in the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
With her innovative mindset, legal expertise, and commitment to empowering others, Christianah Akinyemi is reshaping the landscape of data privacy and technology law—poised to lead transformative change in an increasingly digital era.
