Dr. Melissa Omino is an intellectual property expert whose current research focuses on the development and negotiation of IP provisions in trade agreements involving countries from the Global South. She also conducts research on AI, pharmaceutical patents and international trade in relation to the phenomena of “evergreening” and conducted research concerning the US-Kenya Free Trade Agreement. She received her PhD from the University of Fort Hare and holds and LLM from Stellenbosch University and LLB from the University of Fort Hare. Dr. Omino is a member of the Kenyan Bar and practices law as a Partner in MJD Associates LLP in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Omino is the co-founder of the IPCheckIn a monthly meeting of IP enthusiasts that includes patent examiners, attorneys, professors, musicians and law students who offer their services in IP awareness and knowledge dissemination pro bono in Kenya. She also represents the Center at the Digital Trade Alliance coordinated by Public Citizen.