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Sheena Jacob
Director

Sheena Jacob

Singapore, Singapore
Languages
  • English
Social media

Sheena Jacob is a leading technology, media and telecommunications lawyer in Asia, with 30 years’ experience advising global technology, media, communications and digital infrastructure companies across the region. Based in CMS Singapore, she advises clients on complex regulatory, commercial and risk issues at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, data, media, telecoms and emerging digital infrastructure. She is qualified in Singapore, England & Wales and the United States, and holds two international privacy certifications from the IAPP.

Sheena has particular experience in highly regulated and fast-evolving areas of technology law, including cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, quantum-safe networks, digital infrastructure and space-related technologies. She advises multinational technology companies, leading streaming platforms and other major industry participants on pan-Asian regulatory issues, helping clients navigate legal, operational and reputational risks in markets across the region.

Sheena is especially known for her work in cybersecurity and incident response. She has advised on high-profile cyber incidents and ransomware attacks, working closely with clients to manage regulatory engagement, customer-facing issues and broader crisis response. Her practice combines deep technical understanding with practical, commercial advice, particularly for clients operating in sectors where data, connectivity, resilience and regulatory scrutiny are business-critical.

Her emerging technology practice includes legal issues relating to AI governance, quantum-safe networks, digital infrastructure and the evolving space and satellite economy. She is one of the few women lawyers in Asia active across cybersecurity, space and AI, and brings a distinctive regional perspective to clients developing or deploying next-generation technologies, including technologies that depend on secure communications, satellite connectivity, data flows and advanced digital networks.

Sheena works closely with CMS’s international technology lawyers to support clients on cross-border mandates involving telecoms, media, privacy, technology regulation, cyber resilience and emerging technologies. Her clients value her ability to translate complex regulatory and technical issues into clear, strategic and business-focused advice.

Sheena has held senior roles in leading international and industry organisations. She has served on the Global Board of iTechLaw, as the first Singaporean to hold that role, as well as on the IAPP Asia Advisory Board and the Board of AmCham Singapore. She also sits on industry committees including BritCham Singapore and AIPPI Singapore.

Sheena is consistently recognised as a leading TMT lawyer in Asia. She is ranked Band 2 for TMT by Chambers Asia-Pacific and recognised by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific for TMT and as a Leading Partner for Data Protection & Cyber Security. She has also been ranked among the Top 50 TMT Lawyers in Asia by Asian Legal Business, named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Singapore by Asia Business Law Journal, and listed by Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal) for Data, Telecoms, Media & Entertainment, Sports & Gaming and Franchising. She was also the only lawyer in Singapore listed as one of the Top Women in Cybersecurity.

*CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang (Singapore) LLP and Holborn Law LLC are registered as a Formal Law Alliance in Singapore under the name CMS Holborn Asia. The Formal Law Alliance allows the two firms to provide the broadest range of Singapore and international law services from one platform, with Singapore litigation representation provided by Holborn Law LLC.

Awards & Recognitions
01 –
  • Quote
    "Sheena Jacob leads CMS' TMT practice in Asia. She has vast experience advising on regulatory, licensing and compliance, as well as transactional matters. She is sought after by many domestic and international corporations."
    Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026, Technology, Media, Telecoms, Singapore
  • Quote
    "Sheena Jacob is very technically accomplished and pragmatic, and takes the trouble to understand our business, doing her utmost to provide commercial solutions that take our pain points into account."
    Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026, Technology, Media, Telecoms, Singapore
  • Quote
    “Sheena Jacob is wonderful to work with, attentive to client needs, and understands perspective of both regulators and companies. She is a great sounding board for commercial legal decisions, and gives specific advice that is implementable.”
    Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026, Data protection & cyber security, Singapore
  • Quote
    "Sheena Jacob is widely recognised for her top-tier work on complex data breaches, privacy compliance, and technology-sector matters, acting for major global clients across media, telecoms and digital infrastructure. Market sources say she "brings an open mind, positive energy and a collaborative spirit to every engagement".
    Lexology – Southeast Asia – Data
  • Quote
    "I have always been impressed by her deep industry knowledge, strategic thinking and pragmatic approach. She quickly grasps the nuances of our situation and is able to provide insightful guidance."
    Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025, Technology, Media, Telecoms, Singapore

Relevant experience

  • AI Singapore, as counsel for licensing of AI technology.
  • Several Forbes 100 companies on their data protection compliance programs for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, HK and the Philippines.
  • A leading data centre provider on its regulatory and licensing issues including telecommunications, privacy and cybersecurity issues throughout the Asia Pacific region. 
  • Companies in various industries on complex data breaches originating in Asia or resulting in data breaches affecting individuals in Asian countries including China, Korea, Japan, HK, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, India, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines.
  • A global media company on its regulatory and privacy issues across Southeast Asia.
  • A Singapore-based leading ecommerce and luxury goods company on developing its ecommerce platform.
  • A bank on implementing its cloud strategy and complying with the MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines.
  • A Singapore Government agency in implementing its privacy and data protection compliance program across its entire group.
  • A Swiss multinational on data sharing arrangements across its various companies in Asia, US and Europe.
  • An online platform in considering data localization issues in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. 
  • A payment services platform in relation to its regulatory licensing.
  • Various digital token issuers on regulations relating to the issuance and marketing of their digital tokens, including cryptocurrencies, in Asia.
  • Several gaming companies on their digital gaming token and regulations.
  • A large multinational on issuing NFTs for its content on a third party platform.

Publications

  • Author, Business Guide to Personal Data Protection in Singapore.

Education

  • LLM New York University, New York.
  • LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Sheena Jacob is a Partner at CMS Singapore and a Director of Holborn Law LLC, a member of the CMS Holborn Asia Formal Law Alliance. She heads the firm's Southeast Asia Intellectual Property practice and is widely recognised as one of Asia's leading technology and intellectual property lawyers.

Qualified in Singapore, New York, and England & Wales, Sheena has over 30 years of experience advising multinational corporations, technology companies, financial institutions, life sciences businesses, media organisations and emerging growth companies across Asia Pacific. Her practice spans intellectual property, technology, cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, digital regulation and commercial transactions, with extensive experience in the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of intellectual property rights throughout the region.

Sheena leads a regional team handling trademark and patent prosecution across Southeast Asia, complex IP disputes, commercial IP transactions, technology licensing arrangements, research and development collaborations, and strategic innovation and commercialisation projects. She is particularly known for advising on the legal implications of emerging technologies, including AI, quantum technologies, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and space and satellite-related activities.

A recognised thought leader in the technology and IP space, Sheena is a frequent speaker, author and commentator on intellectual property, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and digital regulation. She regularly advises clients on navigating novel legal and regulatory challenges arising from technological innovation and cross-border business operations.

In addition to being a Singapore Registered Patent Agent, Sheena is a Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public. She also holds leadership roles within key industry organisations, including the Licensing Executives Society Singapore and the Singapore chapter of AIPPI.

Sheena is consistently recognised by leading international legal directories and ranking publications. She has been ranked and recommended by publications including Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, World Trademark Review, Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal), Asian Legal Business, Asia IP, Asialaw, IP Stars, and Women in Business Law, where she has been recognised for her expertise in intellectual property, patents, trademarks, life sciences, technology and innovation-related matters.


*CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang (Singapore) LLP and Holborn Law LLC are registered as a Formal Law Alliance in Singapore under the name CMS Holborn Asia. The Formal Law Alliance allows the two firms to provide the broadest range of Singapore and international law services from one platform, with Singapore litigation representation provided by Holborn Law LLC.

Awards & Recognitions
01 –
  • Quote
    "Sheena is very knowledgeable and has the ability to distill complex issues into easy-to-understand language for our clients."
    Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026, Intellectual Property, Singapore
  • Quote
    “Sheena Jacob heads the team, recognised for her ’extensive knowledge, pragmatic outlook, and unwavering professionalism’ and is equipped to handle the full gamut of IP and trademark transactions.”
    Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026, Intellectual Property, Singapore
  • Quote
    "[Sheena] is notable for her extensive knowledge, pragmatic outlook, and unwavering professionalism. Her ability to offer concise, strategic counsel that is suited to the business environment of each client, particularly in intricate, international trademark issues, is what makes her unique. "
    Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026, Intellectual Property, Singapore
  • Quote
    "Her orchestration of sophisticated prosecutions, portfolio strategies and licensing transactions turns the firm into a distinguished international firm with a robust IP footprint in Singapore. "
    World Trademark Review
  • Quote
    "With more than two dacades of experience, Sheena Jacob is "a leading international lawyer in the field of IP", with deep expertise in patent litigation, transactions and licensing. She is "known for her sound, commercial advice and is widely acknowledged as an authority on cutting-edge issues in the IP field.""
    Lexology Index – Southeast Asia – Patents
  • Quote
    "One client indicates why her services are so sought-after: "Sheena has always been very attentive to my needs and delivers very high-quality and professional work in a timely manner. She has always been easily approachable and is easy to work with because she is quick and efficient. She is also familiar with the local scene, which makes her one of the top go-to IP lawyers in the region.""
    IAM Patent 1000

Relevant experience

  • Nestle, in the first ever shape mark litigation in Singapore for the 3D shape mark for KIT KAT before the High Court and the full Court of Appeal.
  • One of the largest European conglomerates for collaboration and licensing arrangements in the field of imaging research with Singapore’s largest research institute.
  • One of the ten fastest growing Singapore companies, Hegen, in managing its global IP portfolio, including registering trade marks, patents and designs around the world.
  • Acting for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in managing its trade mark portfolio in Singapore.
  • A leading media conglomerate on various IP issues relating to content, advertising as well as licensing of music for its streaming platform. 
  • Motion Picture Licensing Company on various aspects of IP and licensing in Asia.
  • A global entertainment company on film production including script writing and production agreements, talent agreements and other commercial agreements relating to the creation of content.
  • A world-leading media company on its intellectual property licensing, merchandising and regulatory issues in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore relating to its OTT streaming service and other businesses.
  • One of the world’s leading media companies on the IP issues relating to the creation of NFTs for its content as well as the launch of its streaming service in Philippines.
  • A technology company to set up the first ever IP Trust in Singapore to hold its IP assets and transferring ownership of its assets.
  • A leading Chinese ecommerce platform, as an expert witness in US ITC proceedings.
  • A retail market leader in IP arbitration proceedings before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.

Publications

  • Author, Intellectual Property and Risk Management Chapters, Business Guide to Competition Law.
  • Author, Singapore Patent Law, Chapter on Plant Varieties.

Education

  • LLM New York University, New York.
  • LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property Commercial
sectors
Life Sciences TMT

Insights by Sheena

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Publication Singapore

COVID-19: Intellectual Property Office of Singapore extends filing deadlines

07 Apr 2020 3 min read
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