Model, actress, lawyer: Kenya’s Liz Lenjo
She tells WIPR about her career and what she sees as key IP trends in Africa and beyond.
Can you tell us about your career and why you chose this particular path?
Growing up, I aspired to be an entertainment entrepreneur, the total package —singer, dancer, and actor. Unfortunately, like most parents, mine scoffed at the idea.
During my varsity days, I became the face of the university as I was crowned Miss Catholic University of Eastern Africa. This became the perfect entry to exploring the Kenyan entertainment industry. Through sheer luck and some hard work, I was cast in a movie, had a recording deal for a brief stint and I featured in several fashion magazines and shows.
That was quite the ride! I encountered a myriad of challenges that I used to help me carve a niche as an IP and entertainment lawyer. I later settled on moonlighting as an entertainment writer for about three years during my varsity and pre-bar period. I used that opportunity to learn more about the legal challenges celebrities in the Kenyan entertainment industry faced. That is how I chose my career path.
Have you faced any barriers or challenges and how did you overcome them?
When transitioning from a “public face”, it was hard to shed the pageant reputation which unfortunately would have me labelled as just another “pretty face”. I worked hard and ensured that I displayed my legal prowess through blogging and eventually attracted some major clients that helped bolster my legal reputation. On occasion, I will encounter clients who cannot see beyond my experience as a former model.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to choose what to wear to work every day. I love fashion and I express myself through how I dress. I also discovered, for effective communication, I must dress for my audience. I enjoy that a lot because my fashion statements have made excellent icebreakers. I also enjoy how unpredictable entertainment law disputes are and the victories tend to be very sweet.
And what is the least favourite part of your job?
Working late nights sometimes or weekends. That is my least favourite part because it interferes with family time and sometimes I have to cancel social engagements.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar career?
Persistence is key. I have been at it for the last 12 years and it took persistence and consistency to be successful and build a strong legal brand. One must be willing to invest in themselves and constantly learn new things. It is how I ensure I stay on top of my game.
What in your opinion are the biggest challenges facing the IP sector right now, both in your home country and globally?
The evolution of business models has seen the IP regimes as we know them challenged. It has also seen some interesting legal jurisprudence and keeps rights owners and legal practitioners on their toes.
For instance, music copyright infringement cases in the US and judgments have influenced how songwriters approach their art and how they approach matters of licensing and the creation process.
Also, the costs of achieving global protection because of the territorial nature is an increasing challenge, especially for SMEs that engage with different partners across the globe.
What key developments do you see emerging in IP in the coming years, locally or globally?
Locally, I foresee that more and more brands will have a presence in the African and Kenyan markets, especially fashion and beauty brands. It is about time! We have seen Fenty Africa launched in various parts of Africa in May.
I foresee a lot of collaborations in fashion, beauty, and medical innovation with the rise of the sui generis right to Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions.
The entertainment industry will also continue to have a global approach and become more inclusive and well represented. Content is the new oil, in my view.
As African economies collaborate with global brands, the opportunities and potential profitable ventures are astronomical.
In your opinion, what cases in recent years are likely to have a long-term impact on the IP sector?
The cases are many, but the following stand out:
The Marvin Gaye Estate v Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke case has had an impact on how songwriters and music producers approach the craft of making music.
The laughable ‘ Monkey selfie’ case addressed who can own copyright in a picture.
The Nike v MSCHF case over the “satan” shoes, in my view, will influence how millennials view innovation. It highlighted how far is too far and brings back in check that even IP can have its limitations depending on the context. We know how they like to push the envelope.
The Chanel and Adidas v Amazon sellers case that tackled unauthorised sellers and counterfeits will also have a long-term effect on how platforms and sellers alike approach IP rights in their day-to-day business.
Liz Lenjo is managing consultant of MYIP Legal Studio.
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