Balwant Rawat leads IP and Strategic Intelligence at Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, bringing more than 20 years of experience in IP strategy, portfolio management, technology intelligence, innovation and IP operations. Previously, he led the IP Centre of Excellence at Eaton India Engineering Centre and the IP Operations team at Evalueserve. His expertise spans building high-quality IP portfolios, aligning IP with technology and business strategy, fostering inventor engagement and innovation culture, and leveraging patent research and strategic intelligence to support business decisions. He has driven IP value realisation and licensing initiatives while working closely with R&D, engineering, product, legal and business teams. Recognised by IAM Media as one of the world’s leading IP strategists, he has received the Asscocham IP Excellence Award and the India Businesses Law Journal In-House Counsel Award, and was featured among Photon Legal’s Top 40 Innovative Legal Leaders 2026. A Registered Indian Patent Agent and executive member of Global IP Alliance (GLIPA-INDIA), he is a passionate advocate for innovation and inventor recognition.