BETH N. GAINES
Tampa,FL
Summary
Seasoned Senior Director with global experience leading intellectual property operations and driving strategic initiatives that fuel business growth. Proven track record in optimizing IP portfolios, managing high-performing teams, and navigating complex environments including M&A and rapid change. Skilled in aligning IP strategy with corporate goals, mitigating risk, and enhancing profitability. A strong collaborator with a focus on operational efficiency, process improvement, and long-term value creation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director, IP Operations
Eli Lilly & Company USA
Indianapolis, Indiana
08.2023 - Current
- Lead a global team of 40+ IP patent and trademark prosecution, annuities/renewals, and docketing operations.
- Mentor and develop managerial talent within the IP Operations team to strengthen the leadership pipeline and organizational capability.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives to optimize organizational efficiency, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance profitability.
- Champion innovation through the adoption of legal technology tools (e.g., IPMS, automation, AI tools) to streamline IP operations and reduce manual workload.
- Design and standardize operational workflows through the creation of scalable playbooks, work instructions, and reference materials.
- Analyze IP operational and financial performance metrics to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
- Implement robust quality control frameworks to mitigate IP asset risk and ensure timely maintenance and protection of global rights.
- Oversee Lilly Legal’s IP Incident Tracking and Reporting system; lead investigations, collaborate with stakeholders, and deliver root cause analyses and action-oriented remediation plans.
- Serve as the primary liaison and relationship manager for critical IP systems and service providers, ensuring alignment with business needs and performance standards.
- Identify and evaluate third-party service opportunities; partner with procurement to support contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and vendor performance reviews.
- Lead global foreign agent relationship management, including rate negotiations, agent selection, invoice approvals, and performance escalations.
- Ensure global compliance with evolving IP regulations and best practices, collaborating with internal legal and compliance teams.
Head of IP Solutions - Americas
DENNEMEYER & CO, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
06.2020 - 06.2023
- Led multiple teams across patent/trademark renewals, docketing, and onboarding to drive engagement and revenue growth.
- Reduced annual credit notes by $1.5M and increased net sales by $900K through retention and pricing strategies.
- Created competitive pricing models and responded to RFPs to win new business and expand market share.
- Built and led a customer onboarding division to enhance experience, improve retention, and support growth.
- Launched a successful law firm outsourcing strategy to increase revenue and enter new markets.
- Managed key customer relationships, resolving issues to maintain satisfaction and retention.
- Analyzed financials, modified operations, and ensured EBITDA profitability through budget and forecast alignment.
- Reviewed sales and performance data to track progress, improve productivity, and meet targets.
- Negotiated complex commercial contracts and supported sales through collaborative marketing initiatives.
- Partnered with international teams in Europe and Asia Pacific to align strategies and drive global results.
- Established KPIs to evaluate performance, restructure teams, and standardize business operations.
Managing Director, Consultant
INNOVATIVE IP SOLUTIONS
Coral Springs, Florida
11.2017 - 10.2020
- Delivered strategic consultancy services to law firms and corporate clients in the intellectual property sector, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term workflow improvements.
- Provided expert guidance and training on IP Management Software (IPMS), including implementation support, software testing, and integration of legal updates.
- Led end-to-end project management efforts—developing timelines, assigning responsibilities, mitigating risks, and delivering quality outcomes on schedule.
- Created process workflows, training materials, and negotiated vendor agreements; collaborated with marketing and business development teams to support new service offerings.
- Collaborated with marketing and business development teams to create collateral supporting new business offerings, ensuring alignment with client needs and industry trends.
- Assisted in developing content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms to enhance visibility and promote IP services.
- Worked closely with external marketing partners to plan and coordinate targeted campaign strategies tailored to specific audiences.
- Supported creative teams in the development and execution of marketing campaigns, ensuring timely delivery and consistent messaging.
Regional Manager
CPA GLOBAL NORTH AMERICA LLC
Alexandria, VA
01.2007 - 03.2017
- Managed patent and trademark renewals for clients across North America.
- Led 25 mid-level managers to drive client engagement and retention throughout the IP lifecycle.
- Delivered $50M in retention revenue, saving $400K and reducing 4,000 labor hours through process improvements and offshoring.
- Achieved ISO 9001 certification and recertification for North American teams.
- Executed the North America NPS survey, setting the global standard for client retention.
- Led RFP/RFI responses, securing $20M in new business.
- Successfully off-shored work to Noida, India, overseeing training, quality control, and knowledge transfer.
- Directed project managers on software renewal interfaces.
- Negotiated complex commercial contracts and defined amendment language to close deals.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Global Business
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZBachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZAssociate - Applied Science – Paralegal Studies
Oakland Community College
Farmington Hills, MIABA Accredited Paralegal Degree -
Oakland Community College
Farmington Hills, MISkills
- Leadership
- Revenue & Profit Growth
- Patent, Design and Trademark Prosecution
- Patent Annuities and Trademark Renewals
- Docketing
- IP Management Software
- Strategic Planning & Forecasting
- Contract Negotiation
- Customer Success
- Project Management
- Paralegal
- Operational efficiency
- Process improvement
- Veteran
Affiliations
- Top 50 Woman Leaders in SaaS 2021, The Software Report, https://www.thesoftwarereport.com/the-top-50-women-leaders-in-saas-of-2021/
- The 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business 2023, The CIO World, https://thecioworld.com/the-10-most-admired-women-leaders-in-business-april20023/
Websites
Timeline
Sr. Director, IP Operations
Eli Lilly & Company USA
08.2023 - Current
Head of IP Solutions - Americas
DENNEMEYER & CO, LLC
06.2020 - 06.2023
Managing Director, Consultant
INNOVATIVE IP SOLUTIONS
11.2017 - 10.2020
Regional Manager
CPA GLOBAL NORTH AMERICA LLC
01.2007 - 03.2017
Master of Business Administration - Global Business
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Associate - Applied Science – Paralegal Studies
Oakland Community College
ABA Accredited Paralegal Degree -
Oakland Community College
Similar Profiles
Tona' FlowersTona' Flowers
Assistant Security Supervisor at Securitas Security Services USA at Eli LillyAssistant Security Supervisor at Securitas Security Services USA at Eli Lilly
Emily AdkinsEmily Adkins
Senior on Site Specialist at Ricoh USA Corp, Eli LillySenior on Site Specialist at Ricoh USA Corp, Eli Lilly
Bhaskar ReddyBhaskar Reddy
Sr. Power BI Developer at Eli Lilly and CompanySr. Power BI Developer at Eli Lilly and Company
Dylan WhitneyDylan Whitney
Lead Landscaper at Sweet William Garden & DesignLead Landscaper at Sweet William Garden & Design
Daniel EmmertDaniel Emmert
Retail and Distribution Salesperson at St Germain's GlassRetail and Distribution Salesperson at St Germain's Glass