Annsley Merelle Ward

Overview

Annsley Merelle Ward, perhaps better known as ‘AmeriKat’, is a senior associate at Bristows. As the longest serving member of IP blog IPKat, Merelle War has become a recognisable name and figure in IP law globally. In 2016, Merelle Ward joined Bristows where she acts for innovative companies in the life sciences and telecoms sectors. Her practice covers patents, trade secrets and confidential information. She trained at a specialist boutique IP and media litigation firm, before joining Collyer Bristow in 2010 where she continued to specialise in IP litigation. In 2012, Merelle Ward was recruited to the London IP practice of Allen & Overy. Merelle Ward has been a member of the ChIPS (chiefs in IP) network since 2015, and currently serves as the co-chair of its London chapter. In line with the ChIPs motto to “pay it forward”, she is adamant to bring aspiring junior IP lawyers along with her and share her opportunities. Annsley abides by the Madeline Albright quote that there is “Special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.”