The world of Consumer Electronics, whether it is the ubiquitous smart phone or the home appliance like the refrigerator or the washing machine, is witnessing a rapid pace of innovation that has been enhancing the quality of everyday life.
Vivek Singh, our next pathbreaker, IP Manager at Whirlpool Corporation, is responsible for driving the intellectual property (IP) strategy, and managing the global patent portfolio across multiple product categories.
Vivek talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the significance of intellectual property, which helps ensure that meaningful ideas—often focused on convenience, energy efficiency, sustainability, and safety—can be developed into real-world solutions that benefit consumers.
For students, the world is changing rapidly, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Don’t limit your knowledge to textbooks—explore workshops, certifications, and real-world experiences that align with your interests.
Vivek, can you explain what were your growing up years like?
I hail from Gorakhpur, a culturally rich town in Uttar Pradesh, renowned for landmarks such as the Gita Press—one of the world’s largest publishers of Hindu religious texts—and the Gorakhnath Mandir, among others. I completed my schooling there, actively engaging not only in academics but also in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Involvement in sports, cultural programs, writing, painting, and various competitions played a crucial role in shaping my early development and nurturing a strong sense of curiosity.
I’ll always be grateful to my school, teachers, and friends for creating a supportive environment that inspired me to think creatively and explore new interests. Equally instrumental in shaping who I am today are my parents. My father is an advocate, and my mother is a homemaker. Both of them have always been incredibly supportive and gave me the freedom to explore, learn, and pursue whatever I was passionate about. This foundation of encouragement and openness shaped my mindset and continues to influence me even today. I strongly believe that learning is a lifelong process, and this value is something I actively try to pass on to the next generation.
These early exposures—to diverse activities, an open learning environment, and a culture rooted in tradition and thought—have collectively shaped my journey and laid the groundwork for how I approach both personal and professional challenges today.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
As far as my education is concerned, I hold an engineering degree in Industrial Production from RGPV university Bhopal (M.P) and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Pune University. I am also a registered Indian Patent Agent. My career path might seem unconventional, but it reflects the importance of following one’s interests and passion.
Can you talk about some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Patents?
Several key influences shaped my decision to pursue this career path:
- Technology Changes: What has influenced me the most is witnessing the rapid pace at which technology evolves in our everyday lives—from advancements in mobile devices to breakthroughs in the automotive industry and beyond. This continuous transformation not only fascinated me but also fueled my curiosity to delve deeper into how such innovations are created, brought to market, and safeguarded. It ultimately led me to explore the world of intellectual property, where ideas are transformed into valuable assets.
- People and Mentors: I reached out to professionals in the intellectual property domain to gain deeper insights and expand my understanding of the field.
- Events and Exposure: I actively attended workshops and seminars related to new technologies and innovation. These events played a crucial role in broadening my perspective and deepening my interest in the intersection of technology and law.
- Turning Point: I started my professional journey working in the manufacturing sector, specifically in fastener production. It was a core mechanical role, aligned with my technical background. While I was performing well and everything seemed fine on the surface, I gradually realized I wasn’t entirely fulfilled—it didn’t feel like the right fit, nor was it something I was truly passionate about.During this period of reflection and uncertainty, I came across an opportunity in the intellectual property (IP) services industry. Since technical and engineering skills are essential in this field, I was selected for the role. Once I joined, my curiosity about IP began to grow—and gradually, so did my interest. What started as a career shift turned into a meaningful and engaging professional journey that aligned much more closely with my interests.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
During my college days, I was keen on understanding the various career options available. I made it a point to attend several workshops and seminars that introduced me to different domains. I strongly believe that gaining clarity about career paths requires exposure and conversations. So, I took the initiative to connect with college seniors, professors, and professionals to understand the skills and expectations in various fields. This helped me identify my interests and set a direction for my career.
As mentioned earlier, I began my professional journey in the manufacturing sector, working in a core technical role. During this time, I was presented with an opportunity to transition into the intellectual property (IP) domain. Driven by a strong desire to grow, I pursued various certifications through free online resources and participated in internal training programs offered by my organization, which significantly enhanced my IP expertise.
I began my career in the Intellectual Property (IP) domain as a Patent Illustrator at Lexadigm, an IP services firm based in Gurugram (no longer in operation). My core responsibility involved creating CAD drawings using AutoCAD for patent applications filed across various jurisdictions on behalf of global clients. I learned AutoCAD after completing my college education, which enabled me to deliver high-quality, compliant illustrations tailored for patent filings.
Subsequently, I joined Evalueserve (EVS)—one of the world’s leading IP service providers—as a Research Associate and in the next few years was promoted as Sr. Research Associate. During my tenure at EVS, I gained valuable exposure to a wide range of IP analysis projects, significantly enriching my knowledge of the field. I continued to work on patent illustration assignments and expanded my skill set to include various IP analytics services. My responsibilities included:
- Conducting Patentability Searches to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of inventions in light of prior art.
- Performing IP Landscape Analyses to help clients understand the competitive and technological positioning of their innovations.
- Engaging in Technology Scouting to identify emerging technologies or trends based on client requirements.
These projects were primarily in the mechanical domain, catering to global clients from industries such as automotive, packaging, chemistry etc.
Following my experience in the services sector, I transitioned to a product-based organization (In-house), Minda Industries, which offered a distinctly different perspective on IP management. I was part of the Switch Division in Gurugram, focused on two-wheeler products. Here, I gained hands-on experience in IP portfolio management and developed a strong understanding of the legal and strategic aspects of IP within a corporate R&D environment.
Key aspects of my role included:
- Collaborating closely with project and engineering teams to understand the product development lifecycle and identify potential IP opportunities.
- Creating and implementing IP policies across the division.
- Participating in innovation workshops as part of the R&D team to foster a culture of innovation and identify ideas with strong IP potential.
This phase of my career deepened my ability to bridge technical understanding with strategic IP insights and equipped me to manage IP in alignment with business objectives.
This enriched experience enabled me to join my current organization, Whirlpool, where I am leading and managing IP Patent portfolio for multiple categories globally.
This journey has helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of IP from both technical and legal perspectives.
My engineering degree in Industrial Production laid a strong foundation in manufacturing and technical problem-solving. Later, to expand my horizon and complement my technical background, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Pune University. This combination of technical and legal knowledge positioned me well for roles at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and intellectual property management. In addition, I am also a registered Indian Patent Agent.
During my initial job search, I did not have many professional contacts. However, I focused on building a solid profile through self-learning, active participation in workshops, and making the most of every opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Over time, as I grew in my career, I gradually built a strong professional network, which continues to support my growth and learning.
I believe that continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for long-term success. I make it a priority to regularly assess my strengths and weaknesses with honesty and self-awareness. While I focus on enhancing my strengths, I place even greater emphasis on consistently working to improve my weaknesses. This ongoing commitment to personal growth enables me to stay adaptable and well-prepared to seize future opportunities.
How did you get your first break?
My entry into the professional world was met with several hurdles.I faced several rejections from multiple companies, which was quite disheartening at the time. After completing my engineering, I pursued a design certification course in Pune to enhance my technical skills and improve my prospects. While this opened up opportunities to interview with several multinational companies, I continued to face rejections.
This phase was challenging, but it taught me a lot about resilience and self-belief. I decided to take a step back and give myself the time and space to regroup. I relocated to Delhi for a short period to stay with a few friends who were already working there. That change in environment gave me a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
Having a technical degree, along with the design certification from Pune, played a crucial role in helping me secure my first job in the IP industry. It’s worth highlighting that entering the IP field becomes much more accessible with a background in science—whether through an engineering degree or a bachelor’s in science—as this foundation enables a better understanding of innovations, which is essential in IP-related roles. Today, many companies actively seek fresh talent with technical aptitude who can be trained and developed into IP professionals. In my case, my educational background was the key factor in landing my first role as a Patent Illustrator. With a technical background, one can enter the IP field in various capacities, such as an Analyst or in other specialized roles. Once I entered the industry, I steadily expanded my knowledge by learning about IP procedures, prosecution processes, and legal frameworks.
Soon after, I received an opportunity that marked the beginning of my professional journey.
Looking back, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance. Sometimes, all you need is a pause to reflect, rebuild, and keep going. The key takeaway for me was simple—never give up, even when the path seems uncertain.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1:
One of the most difficult challenges I faced early in my career was handling repeated rejections, despite having a solid academic background and qualifications. It was both disheartening and frustrating.
Instead of letting the setbacks define me, I chose to treat each rejection as a learning opportunity. I focused on strengthening both my technical and soft skills to build confidence. I also refined my job search strategy and interview approach continuously. This persistence eventually helped me break through and secure meaningful opportunities.
Challenge 2:
As my career progressed, I transitioned from a core manufacturing role to areas involving innovation, intellectual property, and strategy. This required a significant shift in skills and mindset.
I invested time in continuous learning—pursuing a law degree to complement my engineering background and taking on stretch assignments that exposed me to cross-functional work. This combination of formal education and hands-on experience enabled a smooth transition.
Challenge 3
Working at the intersection of engineering and intellectual property law came with unique challenges—particularly in grasping the intricacies of both domains and translating complex information across diverse teams.
I invested time in building strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with both technical and legal stakeholders. I also committed to continuous learning, staying updated on key developments in both engineering and IP law. This dual expertise allowed me to act as a bridge—facilitating better alignment, clearer understanding, and more informed decision-making across functions.
Where do you work now?
I currently serve as an IP Manager at Whirlpool Corporation, where I am responsible for driving the intellectual property (IP) strategy, managing the global patent portfolio across multiple product categories, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading American multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances—including laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing, and small appliances—with its headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan (USA).
I began my journey at Whirlpool by managing the IP portfolio for refrigeration products in the Asia South region, primarily focused on India. Over time, my role expanded to include other product categories such as laundry, cooking, and dishwashing within India. As part of this responsibility, I traveled extensively across Whirlpool’s Indian locations to engage with engineering teams, raise IP awareness, and promote a strategic approach to protecting innovations and enhancing competitive advantage in the market.
My regional role eventually evolved into a global position, providing me with the opportunity to work closely with cross-cultural teams and visit Whirlpool’s headquarters in the U.S. multiple times. These global interactions helped me gain a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle and the broader business processes, which strengthened my strategic outlook on IP management
In this global capacity, I led several high-impact initiatives, including the development of a global IP patent strategy, the establishment of a trade secrets framework, and active involvement in drafting trade secret documentation for specific cases. I also executed comprehensive IP due diligence and risk assessments, supported by various IP search activities. As part of my role, I collaborated with law firms across different regions to make informed and effective IP filing decisions. Over time, my responsibilities expanded further, and I proactively led and managed a wide spectrum of global IP initiatives with end-to-end accountability.
As my experience grew, I took the lead on multiple strategic programs, such as managing Global Innovation Challenges, driving Reward & Recognition programs, and conducting IP training sessions for teams worldwide. These efforts reflect my proactive approach to enabling innovation and reinforcing Whirlpool’s IP culture across the organization.
What problems do you solve?
My role involves close collaboration with technical teams to align IP strategy with broader business objectives, ensuring the protection of valuable inventions while proactively mitigating IP risks. I support teams by providing IP insights, facilitating innovation workshops, and conducting strategic IP research to help shape business roadmaps. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen our competitive edge and drive a culture of innovation across the organization.
In my role, I solve complex challenges at the intersection of innovation, intellectual property, and business strategy. I work closely with technical and cross-functional teams to ensure that our IP strategy is tightly aligned with broader business goals, helping to protect valuable innovations and proactively mitigate IP-related risks. I support teams by delivering actionable IP insights, conducting strategic IP research, and facilitating innovation workshops that uncover new opportunities. These efforts not only safeguard our technology and know-how but also contribute to shaping business roadmaps, enhancing our competitive positioning, and fostering a culture of innovation across the organization.
What skills are needed in your role? How did you acquire the skills?
A strong understanding of intellectual property laws—particularly patent law—is fundamental to succeeding in this role. One of the key milestones in building this expertise was clearing the Indian Patent Agent Examination. To prepare, I studied the Indian Patent Act in depth and utilized a variety of freely available online resources. I also participated in training sessions and workshops conducted by reputable law firms and IP institutions, which provided valuable practical insights. Additionally, reading relevant books helped me deepen my understanding of both the theoretical foundations and procedural aspects of patent law and practice.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day involves collaborating closely with engineering teams to gain insights into ongoing projects, uncover innovative elements, and identify potential intellectual property. I also engage with business leaders to align IP strategy with broader organizational goals, ensuring that our IP portfolio supports long-term growth and competitiveness. This includes guiding portfolio development efforts across multiple domains and contributing to strategic decision-making.
What is it you love about this job?
What I truly enjoy is the opportunity to connect with diverse teams and discuss new ideas every day. Each conversation brings fresh perspectives and innovation potential, making the work both dynamic and intellectually rewarding.
How does your work benefit society?
My work contributes to society by enabling and protecting innovations that improve the quality of everyday life. By guiding inventors and teams in identifying and safeguarding their intellectual property, I help ensure that meaningful ideas—often focused on convenience, energy efficiency, sustainability, and safety—can be developed into real-world solutions that benefit consumers.
Beyond just technological impact, fostering a strong innovation culture also supports broader social progress. It encourages creative thinking, ethical competition, and knowledge-sharing, all of which are vital to economic growth and community development.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is collaborating with professionals across various fields and helping them realize the importance and value of their work. This creates a sense of purpose and empowerment, which extends into their social lives as well, as they feel more confident in their capabilities and inspired to contribute positively.
In essence, by protecting and promoting innovation, my work not only drives business success but also helps shape a more forward-thinking and resilient society.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most memorable moments in my journey happened with my six-year-old daughter. While playing with her toy bricks, she spontaneously created a unique design and proudly said, “Papa, look! I invented something new.” Curious, I asked her if she knew what “invention” meant. She replied confidently, “It’s an idea, Papa, that I created.” Though simple, this moment was profoundly impactful to me—it showed that even at such a young age, the spark of creativity and the concept of innovation can take root.
Another memorable moment was when an idea I had worked on was successfully filed as a patent and later granted by the patent office. It was a proud milestone—not just for the recognition—but also because it validated the value of continuous learning, persistence, and the ability to translate ideas into protectable innovation. Both of these experiences reinforced my passion in the innovation journey.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The world is changing rapidly, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Don’t limit your knowledge to textbooks—explore workshops, certifications, and real-world experiences that align with your interests.
Be Resilient: Rejections and setbacks are part of the journey. Don’t get discouraged. Use them as opportunities to learn, reflect, and improve. Success often comes to those who keep going when things get tough.
Build Skills Beyond the Classroom: Technical knowledge is important, but so are communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Invest time in developing a well-rounded skillset.
Seek Mentors and Build Your Network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, seniors, or professionals in your field. A single conversation can open doors or offer clarity you didn’t have before.
Give Back: As you grow, support others in their journey. Sharing your knowledge and helping someone else succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of any career.
Lastly,
“Choose your path based on your interest, not just because others are choosing it or because someone else thinks it’s right for you.”
Your passion and curiosity are powerful drivers—they will keep you going when things get tough, and they will make learning a lifelong journey, not just a phase in school or college.
Future Plans?
As an IP professional, my future plans focus on deepening my legal and technical expertise, staying updated with evolving IP laws and global practices, and pursuing advanced certifications. I aim to enhance strategic skills in portfolio management, licensing, and IP valuation while leveraging emerging technologies like AI for better decision-making. Additionally, I am passionate about giving back to society—whether through mentoring young professionals, promoting IP awareness among startups and innovators, or contributing to innovation-driven initiatives that address real-world challenges. I believe that leveraging my experience to create opportunities and add value for others is key to building a meaningful and impactful career