Ana Rita Paínho

Practice Areas

Intellectual Property

TMT

Life Sciences

Data Protection

Career

Ana Rita is a Portuguese qualified lawyer with extensive experience in technology, data privacy, intellectual property and life sciences.

She advises global clients on cross-border matters, with a strong focus on digital innovation and emerging technologies skilled in navigating cutting-edge legal challenges, from AI and data governance to healthcare and IP protection, with a proven ability to deliver strategic, business-oriented solutions.

Ana Rita has a track record of advising on assisting pharmaceutical and biotech clients with patent and SPC strategies, paediatric extensions, licensing, and regulatory exclusivities, often in coordination with EU and national authorities. In the technology and digital sectors, She has been advising clients for many years on software licensing, copyright enforcement, trademark protection, and IP due diligence in M&A and cross-border transactions. Her experience also extends to managing IP disputes, on trademarks, patents and authorship rights. She has extensive an experience in intellectual property, particularly in trademark protection and branding strategies. Combining legal advice and litigation experience both in IP and technologies helps me assisting clients concerning the strategic approach to their projects while previewing potential litigation scenarios in the protection of their IP assets.

Beyond traditional IP, Ana Rita has integrated her knowledge of data protection and technology regulation, advising on the interface between IP and digital compliance — from database rights and data-sharing agreements to the impact of the AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act on technology business models.

She regularly provides advice on EU and Portuguese regulatory frameworks, focusing on digital markets, AI, data governance, and innovation-driven sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Ana Rita´s IP background enables her to help clients adopt a business-focused strategy while protecting their intellectual property and ensuring compliance.

Professional Memberships

Portuguese Bar Association

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AIPPI Portuguese regional group

Ombudswoman for the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies