From engineering to IP law, Gauri Waghmare’s mission empowers innovators, breaks barriers, and makes intellectual property accessible for all.
When Gauri Govindrao Waghmare walked away from a career in engineering to embrace the intricate world of intellectual property law, she wasn’t chasing a trend—she was answering a call.
“I hold a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Machine Design. But it was the intersection of technology and law that truly fascinated me,” Gauri shares.
That fascination turned into a career pivot, and eventually into the founding of GauriVandana Legal Services, a full-spectrum IP law firm focused not just on protection but on empowerment.
With over seven years in the intellectual property (IP) domain and a license as a registered Patent Agent (IN/PA 3819), Gauri had both credentials and a powerful sense of purpose.
“I started the firm because I saw how many incredible innovations were going unnoticed, unprotected, and ultimately unutilized—not due to lack of merit, but because of economic or systemic barriers.”
The turning point came during her involvement in the KIRAN IPR WOS-C Program, where she worked with a wide range of startups and inventors.
“Many inventors, especially from rural or economically weaker backgrounds, simply gave up. They had brilliant ideas, but couldn’t afford the legal support to protect or commercialize them.”
This realization led to the birth of GauriVandana Legal Services in 2019 with a mission to democratize access to IP protection and commercialization.
Starting as a solo venture, Gauri handled everything from patent drafting to client management. Today, the firm boasts a multidisciplinary team of engineers, patent agents, legal experts, and commercialization consultants.
Services offered include:
Patent protection
Trademark filing and prosecution
IP commercialization and licensing
Industrial design registration
SICLD protection
Strategic IP planning and training
What sets the firm apart is its commitment to affordability and impact.
The journey wasn’t without obstacles—lack of IP awareness, legal complexities, high costs, and limited support for women innovators were significant challenges.
“We designed our services around these very pain points—affordable fees, simplified processes, and community-driven education programs.”
The firm has conducted numerous training sessions to equip inventors with the know-how to protect their ideas.
Two success stories stand out:
Nitin Deore – A school teacher who designed a foldable baby berth for train travel. Gauri’s team helped him file the patent and connect with Indian Railways, leading to its trial introduction in 2022.
Samidha Deore – A 15-year-old innovator who designed the Divyangansnehi Ramp for differently-abled mobility. The firm helped secure a patent, grants, and stakeholder connections, earning her the Young Innovators Award and ₹1.5 lakh government funding.
“These stories prove that when given the right tools, ordinary people can create extraordinary change.”
In the next five years, Gauri envisions her firm becoming a global player in IP services, integrating AI tools, automation, and digital collaboration platforms—while deepening educational outreach for students, startups, and rural innovators.
“Start with a clear mission. Your ‘why’ will carry you through rough patches. And don’t be afraid to wear multiple hats in the early days—every small win adds up.”
She emphasizes empathy in innovation—understanding the real needs of inventors and building solutions with purpose.
From mechanical engineer to IP pioneer, Gauri Waghmare’s story is about more than legal work—it’s about hope for those whose ideas could change lives.
“Because for us, it’s not just about business—it’s about making a difference. Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.”
Connect with Gauri Waghmare & GauriVandana Legal Services
🌐 Website: gvlegalservices.com
💼 LinkedIn: GauriVandana Legal Services
📸 Instagram: @gauri.vandana
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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