Lookman Durosinmi-Etti

With unparalleled foresight, Lookman Durosinmi-Etti founded Jackson, Etti & Edu, shaping a multidisciplinary practice that redefines the intersection between law and business. The firm’s dual approach ensures that its lawyers understand not just the law, but also the client’s business, enabling them to provide strategic guidance and support. Lookman’s extensive experience in Real Estate, Intellectual Property, and Commercial Law underscores the firm’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, business-driven legal solutions.

In 1984, he joined the law firm of Bentley, Edu & Co. and became a partner in 1988. Following the integration of Bentley, Edu & Co. with Irving & Bonnar—the oldest law firm in Nigeria—in 1989, Lookman became the Managing Partner of Bentley, Edu & Co., and concurrently, a partner at Irving & Bonnar.

He left Bentley, Edu & Co. in 1996 and co-founded Etti, Edu & Co., which later evolved into Jackson, Etti & Edu after a merger with the leading commercial firm, Norman, Jackson Steele & Co.

Lookman is a renowned expert in Intellectual Property law, hailed as a “Doyen” by a global law ranking organization. His leadership has propelled Jackson, Etti & Edu to Tier 1 status in Intellectual Property—a distinction the firm has held for nearly two decades. With almost four decades of experience, Lookman has established himself as a trusted authority, managing complex transactions for Fortune 500 companies and multinational brands. His expertise is recognized both locally and internationally.

Lookman is a member of several intellectual property organizations, including INTA, ITMA, FICPI, and AIPPI. He was appointed an Arbitrator at WIPO in 1995 and, in 1997, served as a Consultant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Intellectual Property matters in Nigeria. He has presented numerous papers and authored various articles, some of which are listed below. Over the years, Lookman’s outstanding achievements have been acknowledged in various publications, including Who’s Who Legal and Managing Intellectual Property, where he has consistently been recognized as a leading legal practitioner.

Lookman is an experienced litigation lawyer with a strong focus on Commercial Litigation, particularly in the area of Intellectual Property enforcement. His expertise includes handling anti-counterfeiting matters and preparing litigation processes involving trademarks, patents, copyright infringement, and passing-off actions. He played a pivotal role in reforming Anton Piller Orders to facilitate lawful access and seizure of infringing items, even within secured premises. Additionally, he spearheaded the implementation of Roving Anton Piller Orders to trace the sources and distribution networks of counterfeit goods, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of IP enforcement strategies.

Lookman also has an enviable track record as a consultant in Real Estate and Commercial Property, advising on several high-profile transactions in Nigeria, across Africa, and internationally. His expertise spans all aspects of real estate practice, including sales, acquisition, development, title documentation, finance, and investment. Notable transactions include advising a Dubai-based international real estate development company on a luxury residential development in Abuja, valued at $70 million. He has served as a trusted adviser to the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation and continues to represent them in multiple transactions across Lagos State.

Lookman is a Director of Orange Island Development Company (OIDC), a prominent real estate company currently engaged in a Public-Private Partnership with the Lagos State Government for the reclamation of a 150-hectare island in Lagos. He is also a Director of Fairways & Greens Limited and played a key role in the company’s acquisition of 320 hectares of land for the development of a tourism hub and proposed golf course in Lagos.