Nicola de Mel is an intellectual property specialist at Nexeon, where she builds and implements practical IP frameworks that support innovation-driven businesses. With a strong foundation in both engineering and IP management, she works closely with R&D and leadership teams to translate technical innovation into robust, defensible intellectual property strategies. Nicola holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University and an MSc in Management of Intellectual Property from Queen Mary, University of London. Her expertise spans trade secret management processes and policies, invention harvesting programs, and the development of aligned, business-focused IP strategies. She brings unique industry experience from the apparel manufacturing sector, where she worked extensively with wearable technology, FemTech, and activewear apparel, and now applies this perspective in the lithium-ion battery sector. This background gives her a nuanced understanding of innovation in fast-paced, design-led, and cross-disciplinary environments. Nicola has also participated in specialized World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) workshops in Geneva and Seoul, strengthening her global perspective on IP strategy and best practices.