Global legal expertise for
Intellectual Property

Roland Weede
Head of Trademarks Munich

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Roland Weede joined Dennemeyer & Associates in July 2017. He advises clients on matters of trademark and design registrations worldwide and related questions of contract law and litigation.

Admitted to the German Bar Association in 2003, he has extensive experience working in law firms in the fields of intellectual property, contract law and commercial litigation. For several years, he was part of the trademarks department of a prestigious German IP law firm in Tokyo and has been partner of the law firm TMSJ Rechtsanwälte.

Prior to joining Dennemeyer & Associates in Munich as Head of Trademarks, Roland Weede had been leading the trademark and litigation department at a Munich patent law firm.

Roland Weede speaks English and German and has been active in the field of IP since 2004.

Area of expertise: trademarks, designs, unfair competition law, contracts, litigation, employee inventor compensation law

Dirk Kromm
Head of Patent Munich

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Dirk Kromm has more than 20 years of experience in Intellectual Property and holds a degree in Technical Physics from the Technical University of Munich.

In addition to his activity as Patent Attorney, Dirk Kromm gained longtime experience as IP consultant. He got valuable, extensive and sustainable knowledge as well as international work experience in various positions in well-reputed IP law firms and industrial companies.

During his career, Dirk Kromm held the position of a Senior Patent Counsel at the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles and the position of Manager Intellectual Property at one of the world’s most successful automotive companies.

Dirk Kromm speaks English and German and has been active in the field of IP since 1993.

Area of expertise: engineering

Frédéric Blanc
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates France

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Prior to joining Dennemeyer & Associates, Frédéric was a lawyer, trademark and design attorney in various IP firms in Paris. He also held various legal and senior executive positions in the fashion industry, including Deputy IP Director at Lacoste during more than 10 years where he developed a significant experience in Anti-Counterfeiting. In 2015 and 2016, he served as IP Director at A&F in Switzerland.

Frédéric Blanc speaks English and French and has been active in the field of IP since 1991.

Olivier Lombardo
Head of Trademarks Luxembourg

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Specialized in trademark and design law, Olivier Lombardo has a wide range of experience in the enforcement of IP rights and the management of major multinational clients’ portfolios in the automobile, fashion and food-processing industries, among others. Lombardo’s experience in dealing with various aspects of the IP law and his strong understanding of the use of trademarks enable him to provide clients with global business-oriented solutions and practice-oriented contracts.

Lombardo also represents Dennemeyer & Associates at conferences and seminars and heads the Dennemeyer IP Breakfasts in Luxembourg.

Olivier Lombardo speaks English, German and French and has been active in the field of IP since 2004.

Area of expertise: trademarks, domains, designs, copyrights

Stéphane Speich
European Patent Attorney, Patent, Trademark and Design Attorney

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Active in IP rights since 1999, Stéphane Speich was the Chairman of the Fédération des Conseils en PI au Luxembourg for several years and today he is the treasurer of the AIPPI in Luxembourg.

As an EPI tutor at the European level, Speich helps candidates to pass the European Qualifying Examination. As a Patent Attorney, he represents Dennemeyer & Associates S.A. at conferences, seminars and workshops. Author of the book EPC 2000 Guide-Speich dealing with the European Patent Convention, Speich is a known actor in the patent law field.

Speich is a passionate of Ultra-Trail (mountain running race on a distance superior to 100km in one step, like UTMB, Grand Raid de la Réunion, Marathon des sables etc), of Fitness and of Hand-Ball (former sportsman of high-level, former player of a first league club in Strasbourg, six times French champion and selected in the French national team (young players). He is always open to new professional or sportive challenges.

Stéphane Speich speaks English, German and French and has been active in the field of IP since 1999.

Area of expertise: chemistry, biology, engineering, pharmaceuticals, trademarks, designs, patents

Roberto d'Erme
European Trademark and Design Attorney, Avvocato (Italian Lawyer)

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Roberto d'Erme has experience in Intellectual Property law, both in private practice and the public sector.

He advises and proposes strategies to capture the value, protect and enforce IP rights. His expertise also includes advising on litigation matters, drafting and negotiating legal agreements and performing financial valuation of IP assets. Furthermore, Roberto d'Erme is involved in the protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin.

Roberto d'Erme speaks English, French and Italian and has been active in the field of IP since 2009.

Area of expertise: trademarks, domains, designs, copyrights

Vanja Nedimovic
Trademark and Design Attorney (Benelux), European Trademark and Design Attorney

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Vanja Nedimovic is a jack of all trades skilled in trademark and design law, international public and private law, anti-counterfeiting. She is a patent attorney, a trademark attorney and a design attorney.

Vanja Nedimovic speaks English, French, Spanish and Serbian and has been active in the field of IP since 2010.

Area of expertise: trademarks, domains, designs, copyrights

Manuel Schockmel
Patent Attorney (LU)

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Active at Dennemeyer & Associates in the Intellectual Property field for more than 30 years, Manuel Schockmel has a longtime experience as an IP Consultant. He specialized in areas such as strategic patent management and analysis of IP portfolios. Manuel Schockmel’s experience in dealing with various aspects of the IP law and his strong understanding of the use of patents enable him to provide clients with global business-oriented solutions at national and international levels.

Manuel Schockmel speaks English, German, French and Luxembourgish and has been active in the field of IP since 1985.

Area of expertise: engineering, physics, computer science, patents, mechanics

Maria Augusta Fioruzzi
Managing Director De Simone & Partners (Dennemeyer & Associates Italy)

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Maria Augusta Fioruzzi, after graduation as civil engineer, has been active in major Italian IP patent and law firms for over thirty years, focusing on patents and designs, their protection, maintenance and worldwide economic exploitation.


During her years as a CEO at De Simone & Partners S.r.l., Maria Augusta Fioruzzi has played a vital role in the developing of strategic priorities and operational planning and execution, creating a rich portfolio of clients ranging from startups to multinationals, and aligning the team of highly experienced professionals.


Specialized in anti-counterfeiting enforcement strategies, Maria Augusta Fioruzzi assists major national and international brands from the fashion, luxury and automotive industries.
She regularly participates as appointed Court expert in the field of mechanics and design.


A regular speaker at conferences and seminars on Intellectual Property, she also lecturers on a master's degree course for those wishing to qualify as Italian and European patent attorneys.

Maria Augusta Fioruzzi speaks English and Italian and has been active in the field of IP since 1984.

Area of expertise: Engineering, Designs, Patents, Copyrights, Mechanics, Anti-Counterfeiting, Strategy and counseling, Prosecution and enforcement, IP portfolio management, Mentoring and coaching, Project Management, Strategy

Massimo Cimoli
Trademark Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 1989, with a focus on trademarks and copyright, Massimo assists a variety of clients worldwide in different industries, including major Italian and international oil and gas companies, sports and automotive corporations.

A recognised attorney with vast experience, he has been a member of the working group before the Ministry of Industry and the Italian Patent and Trademark Office for the implementation of the revised industrial property code in Italy.

A domain name litigation lawyer, Massimo serves as a panelist on the Arbitration. Commercial Court in Prague for .eu domain name proceedings and since 2017 for gTLD arbitration proceedings.

Since 2012 he has been a member of EURID Strategic Committee and in 2015 joined its board of directors.

For almost ten years, Massimo has served as a member of the Examination Board for the Trademark Attorney qualification in Italy.

His dedication and efforts in providing valuable advice and guidance to young
lawyers, has earned him a richly deserved reputation as a true mentor.

Olga Capasso
Partner, Patent Attorney

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Defined by IAM Patent 1000 as “the best patent attorney in the biotechnology field”, Olga has been active in IP since 1989.

A former molecular and cellular biology scientist with over 12 years of experience in Italy and the United States, Olga is an outstanding patent expert. Her activity is focused on supervising patent and SPC filings and prosecution activities, providing patentability, infringement, FtO and due diligence opinion, assisting clients in national and foreign patent and SPC litigation, acting as a court expert before First Instance and Appeal Courts, representing clients at EPO during opposition and appeal proceedings.

Olga has received positive evaluation by the UPC Committee for being appointed as a Technical Judge at the UPC.

She has also taught a “Biotech patenting course” at the University of Naples and of Rome. She usually teaches on “Pharma-chemistry, Biotech and Life Science patenting” on the preparation course for the Italian patent attorney exam.

Olga is the author of many scientific and IP publications, including contributions to the IP biotech provisions of the Italian Industrial Property Code, edited by Prof. C. Galli (UTET - IPSOA, 2011) and also to Diritto Industriale edited By Scuffi and Franzosi (CEDAM 2014).

Erica Vaccarello
Attorney

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With professional experience in Milan, Moscow, New York and Rome, Erica has been active in the IP field since 2012, advising domestic and international clients on all intellectual property aspects, including trademarks, copyright, know-how, design, unfair competition, litigation, negotiation and drafting of contracts.

In 2019 Erica was on secondment in the New York office of a worldwide advocacy association of trademark owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and intellectual property (International Trademark Association). Based in the Policy department, she participated in the drafting of legal comments and position papers on intellectual property issues.

Erica has extensive experience on anti- counterfeiting enforcement strategies, including litigation before criminal courts, having advised several brands from the fashion, luxury and automotive industry on related contentious and non-contentious matters.

Before joining De Simone, she worked for major international law firms.

Erica is a contributor on Italian and European matters to the Kluwer Trademark Blog, Wolters Kluwer.

Francesco Carrelli Palombi
Trademark Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 2016, Francesco undertakes trademark filings and prosecutions.

During his trainee period he accumulated valuable experience in other fields of law, including administrative and corporate law; having worked for a well-known firm active in these areas.

Since 2016, Francesco has contributed to a legal publishing house, for which he still writes papers on specific topics of criminal law.

During his studies, he spent several months in Asia looking closely at the sustainability of newly established companies in the South East Asia region.

Giovanni Orsoni
Trademark Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 2005, Giovanni has worked in London, Venice and Milan with a focus on trademarks, copyrights, domain names, designs, trade secrets and an extensive experience in prosecution, litigation, drafting and negotiation of contracts.

In addition, a panelist for the Alternate Dispute Resolution proceedings in the disputes on .eu domain names in the Czech Arbitration Court - Arbitration Center for Internet.

Giovanni provides a comprehensive range of intellectual property law services for Italian and foreign clients in the hospitality, food & beverage, show business, audio, mobility and web sectors, including advising some Italian leading producers of fine spirits, award winning wines and olive oils, coffee, pasta and energy drinks, as well as cultural institutions, entertainment venues, trade fairs and software houses.

Passionate about creative arts and digital technologies, Giovanni keeps a keen eye on the evolution of the big tech, entertainment, media and creative industries, with a focus on the impact of technology on intellectual property issues, and is part of the De Simone Contentious Software team.

Lucia Granieri
Trademark Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 2010, with a focus on trademark, design and copyright law, art law, IP & sport, unfair competition, negotiation and drafting of contracts.

An IP consultant for national and international sports organisations, Lucia has spoken at several conferences on the protection of IP rights and also lectures on ambush marketing and the protection of Olympic intellectual properties.

Attracted by the innovative, commercial, and fast paced environment of IP & Sports, and in particular the ethos of the Olympic Movement, Lucia is very dedicated to this area of IP.

As a specialist lawyer in this field, she provides bespoke and comprehensive advice with reference to all IP matters, both at national and international level.

She is also an expert in Italian & EU administrative proceedings before UIBM and EUIPO and ADRs for domain name disputes.

Passionate about art and design, Lucia is a great supporter of female innovation in all areas of the art & design community.

Anne-Cécile Trillat
Patent Attorney

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Anne-Cécile spent over ten years as a researcher both in academia (Columbia University, New York) and in the biotech industry (Xenogen Biosciences, USA and Switzerland) where she was involved in therapeutic target identification and validation.

Active in the IP field since 2005, Anne-Cécile assesses technologies and provides technical opinion on intellectual property strategy and management, advising clients on all issues related to the prosecution and defence of patent and SPC rights.

She provides patentability, infringement, FtO and due diligence opinion, assisting clients in national and foreign patent and SPC litigation, acting as an appointed court expert and representing clients at the European Patent Office in opposition and appeal proceedings.

Passionate about science and research, Anne-Cécile is the author of many scientific publications and regularly lectures to biotech and pharma companies on IP related matters (e.g. antibodies).

Elisa Turri
Patent Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 2007, Elisa provides expert advice on patent filing and prosecution, patentability, infringement, FtO, due diligence opinion, patent and SPC litigation.

Elisa regularly acts as an appointed expert in court and represents clients at the European Patent Office in opposition and appeal proceedings.

Before joining De Simone & Partners, Elisa performed research activities mainly focused on developing RNA interference constructs and identifying microRNAs involved in skeletal muscle differentiation, utilising a wide range of molecular biology tools.

She lectures on “Pharma-chemistry, Biotech and Life Science patenting” at training course for preparing the Italian patent attorney examination (Convey).

Passionate about sharing her knowledge, Elisa lectures at preparation courses for the Italian patent attorney exam and regularly organises seminars on a wide range of IP related matters, including antibodies and medical devices.

Rebecca Muller Alcalay
Patent Attorney

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Active in the IP field since 2016, Rebecca provides supports to the patent department on patent filing and prosecution, patentability and infringement opinion, FtO, and due diligence matters.

Before joining De Simone, Rebecca spent a year at Novartis in Basel (Switzerland) working on the synthesis of novel compounds for cancer treatment. She also spent several months at a small technology transfer company in Milan (Italy) where she was directly involved with patenting and valorising biotechnological inventions.

Passionate about chemistry and pharmaceuticals, Rebecca is a talented professional and valued part of the De Simone patent team.

Raluca Judele
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Romania

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Since joining Dennemeyer in 2011, Raluca Judele has been holding various leadership roles focused on IP and management. Beginning with 2013, she is the Head of the International Recordals Department and is responsible for client relations, pricing, team performance and oversight, including managing the department’s day to day operations.

Since March 2014, she is leading the Romanian subsidiary of Dennemeyer & Associates. As Director, she is applying her legal and business experience to provide leadership, organization and operation of the company with maximum efficiency by developing strategies, identifying opportunities, hiring financial, technological and human resources. Her focus is to ensure and support continued growth of the global IP law firm.

In 2015, Raluca Judele took over the management of Dennemeyer’s network of local agents. As Global Head of Agent Relationship Management, she is responsible for streamlining and developing relations with the agents from developing and consolidating the existing cooperation to identifying new local associates.

Raluca Judele speaks English, French and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2011.

Sofia Berde
Patent Attorney (RO)

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Sofia Berde started her career in IP in 2000, joining Dennemeyer & Associates in 2011 as a Patent Attorney. She is mainly responsible for all the communications with the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM). Sofia Berde has a Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering and has previously worked as a Patent Examiner for the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks.

Sofia Berde speaks English, Romanian and Hungarian and has been active in the field of IP since 2000.

Area of expertise: chemistry, patents

Adrian Truța
European Trademark Attorney

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Adrian Truța started working at Dennemeyer & Associates in 2011. As a European Trademark Attorney, working with professionals in different areas from all over the world, Adrian gained a vast experience on trademark matters focusing mainly on pharmaceuticals.

Adrian Truța speaks English and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2011.

Area of expertise: trademarks, domains

Răzvan Stana
European Trademark and Design Attorney

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Răzvan Stana is a registered European Trademark and Design Attorney and Patent Attorney (RO). He joined Dennemeyer & Associates in 2013 and currently holds the position of Coordinator of the International Recordals Department. Răzvan Stana handles daily Recordals matters, additionally to streamlining workflows and communication with clients.

Răzvan Stana speaks English, Spanish and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2013.

Area of expertise: trademarks, designs, patents, mechanics

Cosmin Stana
European Trademark and Design Attorney

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Cosmin Stana joined Dennemeyer & Associates in 2012 as an IP specialist. Starting with 2014, he took on the role of Coordinator of the International Recordals Department, where he oversees both client relations and activities of the entire department. Cosmin Stana is a registered European Trademark and Design Attorney, while also being registered as a Patent Attorney in Romania, thus having the qualifications to consult in all matters aforementioned.

Cosmin Stana speaks English and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2012.

Area of expertise: trademarks, designs, patents, mechanics

Anca Gheorghiu
European Trademark and Design Attorney

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Anca Gheorghiu joined Dennemeyer & Associates in September 2010 as IP Specialist in the International Recordals Department, handling recordals projects worldwide for Dennemeyer clients.

In June 2012, she became responsible for establishing Dennemeyer IP Solutions in Romania and has been the company's Director since. In 2015 she took on the role of Head of Trademarks Romania of the law firm handling all trademark-related matters in Romania.

Anca Gheorghiu speaks English and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2010.

Ioana Cozlovschi
European Trademark Attorney

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Ioana Cozlovschi started working at Dennemeyer & Associates in 2012. Ioana Cozlovschi is a European Trademark Attorney and handles trademark prosecution in the field of medical research.

Ioana Cozlovschi speaks English, French and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2012.

Area of expertise: trademarks, patents

Laura Suciu
European Trademark Attorney

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Laura Suciu began her career in Intellectual Property in 2011 at Dennemeyer & Associates, Brasov office. As a European Trademark Attorney, she has gained experience in the field of oppositions and cancellation proceedings before the EUIPO, consulting clients from the pharmaceutical, technological and automotive fields. At present, she is Coordinator of the Trademark Prosecution Team in Romania.

Laura Suciu speaks English, German, French and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2011.

Area of expertise: trademarks, designs

Dragoș Corochii
Patent and Trademark Attorney (MD)

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Sanda Sarău
Coordinator of EP Validations and PCT Nationalizations Departments

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Since joining Dennemeyer & Associates in 2011, Sanda Sărau has gained extensive experience working in different departments of the IP law firm. In two years’ time, she took on the role of coordinator of the EP Validations department. As of March 2018, Sanda Sarău is Coordinator of both EP Validations and PCT Nationalizations Departments.

Sanda Sarău speaks English, French and Romanian and has been active in the field of IP since 2011.

Area of expertise: trademarks, designs, patents, mechanics

Monika Stępień
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Sp. z.o.o. Poland

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Monika Stępień started her work in the field of IP in 2005 when she joined one of the first private IP law office in Poland. During her practice in the field of IP she handled various case types dealing with trademarks and industrial designs. She gained experience in trademark and industrial design filings, searches, prosecution as well as IP strategical consulting, infringement proceedings, IP contracts and negotiations.

Monika Stępień joined Dennemeyer & Associates in 2010 and was responsible with establishing the Polish office of Dennemeyer & Associates, creating company structure, building a team and developing local business.

Monika Stępień speaks English and Polish and has been active in the field of IP since 2005.

Joanna Kowalewska
Patent and Trademark Attorney, Poland, European Patent, Trademark and Design Attorney

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Joanna Kowalewska started her work in IP field in 1998 and after three-year training she became a patent and trademark attorney admitted to the bar of Polish Patent and Trademark Attorneys. In 2004 Kowalewska was qualified as a European patent attorney and she became a Professional Representative before the EUIPO.

During her practice in the field of IP, Kowalewska participated in various case types dealing with trademarks, industrial designs, patents and utility models. The field of her practice encompasses trademark searches and filings, IP strategical consulting, industrial design filings and prosecution, PCT national phases, EP patent validations in many technical fields, including chemistry and mechanics, infringement/litigation proceedings connected with trademarks, designs and patents.

Joanna Kowalewska speaks English and Polish and has been active in the field of IP since 1998.

Area of expertise: biology, animal science, trademarks, designs, patents

Tomislav Hadzija
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Croatia

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Tomislav Hadzija is currently managing Dennemeyer & Associates operations in West Balkan countries. In his role as head of the Croatian office, Tomislav handles various trademark and patent prosecution matters for foreign and domestic clients before the Croatia IP office and various regional IP matters.

In addition, in his role as a Trademark Attorney within Dennemeyer & Associates, Tomislav is currently acting as main Global International Trademark Counsel for a multinational pharmaceutical company.

Tomislav Hadzija speaks English, German and Croatian and has been active in the field of IP since 2005.

Slavica Tomsic Skoda
Patent Agent

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Slavica Tomsic Skoda is a Patent Attorney within Dennemeyer & Associates Croatia team assisting attorneys in Dennemeyer & Associates Munich and Dennemeyer & Associates Luxembourg.
She is chemist by background and has over 10 years of experience in the area of IP. Before joining Dennemeyer & Associates 2017, she was working for multinational pharmaceutical companies and research institutes.

Slavica Tomsic Skoda speaks English and Croatian.

Valentin Ivanov
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Russia

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Dennemeyer & Associates' strong point in Russia, Valentin Ivanov is the Director of the Moscow office. He is well-versed in trademarks, appellations of origin of goods, IP contracts and IP consulting.

Valentin Ivanov is a member of GRUR, INTA, ECTA and LES, has been a part of the first post-soviet IP firm and in 2013 he founded his own IP consulting firm, Vivamark IP Consulting LLC.

Valentin Ivanov speaks English, German, Spanish and Russian and has been active in the field of IP since 1996.

Larisa Lysenko
Trademark and Design Attorney (RU), IP Counsel

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Larisa Lysenko advises on all aspects of IP, including clearance searching, filing strategies, opposition proceedings, purchase and sale, administration and enforcement, managing international IP portfolios, development complex anti-counterfeiting strategies including Internet, IP agreements, evaluation of potential infringement of third parties rights and trademark invalidation risks due to non-use. She assists with negotiations settlement of trademark disputes on a global basis, DD of IP assets and launching advertising campaigns.

Larisa Lysenko speaks English, French, Spanish and Russian and has been active in the field of IP since 1997.

Area of expertise: trademarks, domains, designs, advertising, strategy and counseling, IP transactions, office proceedings, prosecution and enforcement, IP portfolio management

Victoria Friedman
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates US

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Victoria Friedman is an IP attorney specializing in client counseling, procurement and management of intellectual property. Her day to day practice involves patent and trademark preparation and prosecution, opinions of counsel, portfolio strategy and management, licensing, business transactions and much more. Her technical background is in Computer Information Systems and her patent practice primarily focuses on software, telecommunications, computer, search, email and social network arts.

In her trademark practice, she manages international portfolios for top global brands in various industries. Friedman is one of a handful of attorneys who have been successful in registering a color mark. She enjoys developing and implementing efficient, practical solutions to her clients' IP challenges.

Victoria Friedman speaks English and Russian and has been active in the field of IP since 2003.

Daniel Gurfinkel
U.S. Attorney at Law, Registered U.S. Patent Attorney

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Daniel Gurfinkel's extensive expertise of more than 25 years in the field of IP ranges from mechanics to electronics and trademark law.

Daniel Gurfinkel speaks English and Spanish and has been active in the field of IP since 1989.

Area of expertise: trademarks, patents, mechanics, electronics

Ana Skoumal
Intellectual Property Attorney

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Ana Skoumal is an Associate IP Attorney at Dennemeyer, where she works on diverse IP matters. Ana Skoumal's practice focuses on patents and trademarks, including drafting patent applications and office action responses, patent litigation, due diligence, trademark clearance opinions, social media infringement and various types of IP agreements.

Ana Skoumal speaks English, Spanish, Chinese and Hindi and has been active in the field of IP since 2018.

Area of expertise: chemistry, biology, life sciences, trademarks, patents, medical devices, IP transactions, IP portfolio management

Michael R. McGovern
United States Trademark Attorney

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Michael McGovern is an Intellectual Property attorney specializing in trademark prosecutions, oppositions and global IP portfolio management. With a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from DePaul University College of Commerce, his career has ranged between entertainment, business, IP and transactional work.

As an associate attorney and former solo practitioner, Michael McGovern has worked with large and small corporations and limited liability companies in the publishing, entertainment, manufacturing, IP and advertising industries. He has assisted in the mergers of entertainment companies located in Los Angeles and Chicago as well as the complex merger and acquisition of several mid-west agricultural cooperative companies.

Michael R. McGovern speaks English and has been active in the field of IP since 2012.

Area of expertise: commercial contracts, corporate law, biology, trademarks, copyrights, contracts, IP transactions, IP portfolio management

Michael Gray
U.S. Attorney at Law

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Michael Gray's trademark practice began with counseling small businesses and artists on Intellectual Property matters. He now provides clients from small business to multinational corporations with counseling in trademark prosecution, risk evaluation and portfolio management.

Michael Gray speaks English and has been active in the field of IP since 2012.

Area of expertise: IP portfolio management

Susan Mazurek
Attorney

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Susan Mazurek is an Associate IP Attorney at Dennemeyer who works on diverse IP matters. Her practice focuses on trademark preparation and prosecution, due diligence, clearance opinions, IP portfolio management, risk evaluation, licensing, business transactions, and more.

She has a background in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and attended law school at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Susan speaks English and has been active in the field of IP since 2016.

Claudio Szabas
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Brazil

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Claudio Szabas, co-founder and former partner of ASPEBY-SZABAS Industrial Property, has over 25 years of professional experience in prosecution and maintenance of IP rights. With a technical background in industrial controls and electronic engineering by the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional of Argentina and IP related courses like Introduction into Genetic Technology and Protection of Microbiological Inventions in Germany, he is registered to practice with the Brazilian PTO (INPI) and with the IPEA’s to act on behalf of BR PCT applicants.

From 1971 to 1990, Claudio Szabas worked with the engineering department of AEG Telefunken, Siemens in Argentina and with Johnson Controls’ branch in Brazil, an automation consulting firm representing US control device manufacturers merging products, engineering services and innovative technology.

Since 1990 to date, he has represented foreign and Brazilian applicants before the Brazilian Patent Office, providing legal guidance in the obtainment of patents, trademarks and enforcement in Brazil and other Latin American countries.

Claudio Szabas speaks English, German, Spanish and Portuguese and has been active in the field of IP since 1990.

Area of expertise: engineering

Geordie Oldfield
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates Australia Pty Ltd. Patent and Trademarks Attorney

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Geordie Oldfield is a registered Patent and Trademarks Attorney and Australian lawyer. He holds a Science degree with Honours in Chemistry and a Master of Laws. In addition to working with a large Australian IP firm, Geordie Oldfield previously worked within the European head office of an international pharmaceutical company. His current and diverse practice includes pharmaceutical trade mark and patent matters.

Geordie Oldfield speaks English and French and has been active in the field of IP since 2002.

Area of expertise: chemistry, engineering

Sandi Forman
Trademarks Attorney

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Sandi Forman has expertise that spans all areas of trademark practice, including searching and watching services, filing and prosecution of trademark applications in Australia and overseas, providing registrability and infringement advice, assisting with the protection and enforcement of trademarks, including drafting letters of demand and co-existence agreements, handling oppositions and removal non-use actions including drafting of evidence and arranging assignment recordals.

Over the years Sandi has dealt with an extensive network of foreign associates on a regular basis and she is familiar with many aspects of trademark practice and law in other countries. She has extensive experience in managing large global trademark portfolios and is qualified to practice in Australia and New Zealand.

Sandi Forman speaks English and has been active in the field of IP since 1988.

Area of expertise: trademarks, IP transactions, office proceedings, prosecution and enforcement, IP portfolio management

John Walker
Consultant

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John Walker is an experienced Australian patent attorney specialized in patent and trademark prosecution in Australia. He holds degrees in engineering, economics and IP law, and has vast experience in patent and trademark prosecution. John Walker specializes in energy technology, environmental and materials engineering, and assists Australian clients in filings, prosecutions and has a particular interest in IP strategy.

John Walker speaks English and Chinese and has been active in the field of IP since 1981.

Area of expertise: engineering, physics, electronics

Kazuya Sekiguchi
Patent Attorney (Japan), European Patent Attorney

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Kazuya Sekiguchi is a Japanese and European patent attorney, working at the Dennemeyer & Associates Munich office. He drafts patent/utility model applications, prepares responses to office actions, handles oppositions, and conducts appeals in front of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).

He also handles Japanese Trademark matters, such as filing applications, oppositions, and cancellation trials in front of the JPO.

A qualified patent attorney for both the JPO and the EPO, he can handle Japanese and European cases directly and independently. Although several Japanese patent attorneys are working in Europe, there are only a few like Sekiguchi who can handle Japanese cases directly.

Kazuya Sekiguchi speaks English and Japanese and has been active in the field of IP since 2004.

Area of expertise: chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, patents

Jan Wrede
Managing Director Dennemeyer & Associates UAE

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Admitted to the bar in Germany and Italy, Jan Wrede practiced IP law between 1996-2013 with two major Italian IP patent & law firms and, in 2014, he opened the Dennemeyer Dubai Office, focusing on IP in the whole MENA region. He is also registered Arbitrator with DIFC (Dubai), GCC CAC (Bahrain), KCAC (Kuwait) and SCCA (Saudi Arabia).

Between 1999-2008, Jan Wrede was a lecturer at the ETH Zurich Master in IP and still is a frequent speaker at IP conferences and universities.

Jan Wrede speaks English, German and Italian and has been active in the field of IP since 1996.

Area of expertise: IP portfolio management

Shaukat Ali
Trademark Lawyer

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Shaukat Ali is an admitted Advocate at High Courts in Pakistan and a Law Graduate from University of Punjab, Lahore-Pakistan (L.L B.).

Shaukat Ali speakes Urdu and English and he joined Dennemeyer Dubai in 2019.

Area of expertise: Trademark management

Yasir Masood
Trademark Lawyer

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After completing his law studies in Germany in 2013 and gaining initial experience in law firms in Germany and England, Yasir joined Dennemeyer’s Dubai office in 2016. He is part of the trademark and legal departments.

Qualification: Diplom-Jurist (University of Hamburg, Germany)

Asmaa Nasr Aldin
Trainee Lawyer

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Asmaa Nasr Aldin practices IP law since 2017, particularly in trademark and patent fields. She assists clients in filing applications and documents and obtaining approvals from the respective governmental departments and agencies.

Prior to joining Dennemeyer & Associates Dubai, Asmaa Nasr Aldin trained at the Dubai Courts and the Federal House of Justice-UAQ. She has been also involved in ARM and CSR tasks.

Asmaa Nasr Aldin speaks Arabic and English and she has a LL.B. diploma in Sharia’a and Law.

Christophe van Zyl
Managing Director Dennemeyer DAZA

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Christophe van Zyl is an expert in trademark filing, prosecution and litigation with a focus on Africa, packaging of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs, anti-counterfeiting and licensing. With over 10 years of experience in IP, Christophe is an authority when it comes to Intellectual Property.

Christophe van Zyl speaks English, Dutch and Afrikaans and has been active in the field of IP since 2006.

Robyn-Leigh Merry
Partner at Dennemeyer & Associates South Africa, Patent Attorney

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Robyn-Leigh Merry has experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters. She holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and has a technical background in molecular and cellular biology. Robyn is registered to practice as a patent attorney before the South African Patent Office and as a notary public in the High Court of South Africa. From 2008 to 2014 Robyn worked in mainstream legal practice before taking an in-house position in technology transfer at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Robyn-Leigh Merry speaks English and has been active in the field of IP since 2008.

Area of expertise: biology, designs, patents, copyrights, contracts, litigation