Ms Lara Kayode is the founder of the law firm of O. Kayode & Co based in Lagos, Nigeria.

An IP boutique firm, her practice covers both corporate and commercial matters, with a particular emphasis on industrial and intellectual property law, and alternative dispute resolution with a special interest in mediation.

Lara studied law at the University of Buckingham, England, and at the QMW University of London, where she obtained an LLM in intellectual property law in 1994. She was admitted as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1992.

She began her career as a practising lawyer in 1992 with one of the leading intellectual property law firms in Nigeria, and is today recognised as one of Nigeria's leading trademark practitioners.

A CEDR-accredited mediator since 2005, Lara is a member of a number of associations including the Section of Business Law of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), PTMG, ITMA and AIPPI where she is the Vice President of the Nigerian National Group. Lara also practices Advertising Law and is a member of GALA.

Lara is an active and former Board member of INTA. She is the current subcommittee Chair of the SME Building Bridges Committee, and was previously the subchair of the Unreal Campaign Committee. She heads the Legal commission on the Management committee at the Lycee Francais Louis Pasteur in Lagos Nigeria.

As an active practitioner in the field of IP and an international speaker, Lara is currently ranked by Chambers and Partners, MIP IP Stars and she is a WTR Global Leader. In 2019, she received the prestigious INTA President’s Award.

She is a published author of articles in global trademark Journals such as The Trademark Lawyer (CTC Legal Media) and the INTA Bulletin.

Lara has authored a number of articles on trademarks including "IP Management in Nigeria: Trademarks & Designs" (World IP Review); "The growing necessity for the protection for service marks in Nigeria"; and "The legal remedies plaintiffs have in Nigeria to protect their products and trademarks" (World IP Review).