Intellectual property law expert offers advice on leadership and resilience this women’s month
This women’s month, Lita Miti-Qamata’s message to women is simple: Your ideas are your power… Protect them.
This women’s month, Lita Miti-Qamata is reminding women entrepreneurs across South Africa that their ideas are worth protecting.
An attorney since 2010, with an LLB from the University of Western Cape, Sandton-based Miti-Qamata specialises in brand protection, enforcement, management, and commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) throughout Africa.
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According to Miti-Qamata, she advises multinational brands in fashion, technology, and energy, but she is equally passionate about helping small businesses recognise the value of their IP.
She explained that her path into IP law was not planned. “When I started articles, IP law was not a popular field. A partner asked me to help with an investigation into a trademark infringement between two hotel brands. I had to gather evidence and compare the brands to prove market confusion. I loved it, and I knew I could do more.”
Miti-Qamata pointed out that one of the biggest challenges across Africa is that IP is rarely treated as a priority. “Businesses do not see it as an asset. There’s also a lack of awareness about how to protect it, and in some countries, the registration process is slow and paper-based. That under-protection means missed opportunities for commercialisation.”
She spends much of her time giving back, running workshops, offering pro bono advice, and working with organisations that educate small business owners. “My favourite moment is when entrepreneurs recognise the value of their IP, it’s like a light goes on.”
Women’s month, for her, is both a celebration and a reminder. “It heightens my awareness of the joys and challenges of being a woman in South Africa, but we need more than a month; we need year-round programmes for women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness.”
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Her inspiration is her mother, whose life taught her self-belief, perseverance, and consistency. These values have shaped her career and her approach to balance. “I have learned to ask for help, delegate, and take regular breaks, not just in December.”
Looking ahead, she hopes South Africa strengthens IP protection to inspire innovation and attract investment. “Protected IP signals professionalism and reduces risk. It gives entrepreneurs confidence to dream bigger.”
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