What led you into trademark law?
Honestly? Chance.
When I was studying, there was no real focus on trademark law or intellectual property law, and as a law student, you barely came across this area of practice. During my legal traineeship, I happened to be assigned to the trademark and unfair competition practice at a large international law firm. I enjoyed it so much from the outset that, after completing my legal training, I applied for a position there—and, as luck would have it, there was an opening in the trademark team. It was a series of fortunate coincidences.
Today, I’ve been working in this field for almost 25 years, and I haven’t regretted that decision for a single day.
What has changed for women in trademark law?
Honestly, not that much.
Trademark law has always had a much stronger female presence than, for example, patent law. When I started out, two other female associates joined the firm at the same time as I did, and there was already a female partner in the trademark practice.
That’s something I’ve always particularly appreciated about this area of law.
What makes trademark law so fascinating?
I think trademark law is equally fascinating for both men and women—especially if you have an appreciation for brands, aesthetics, and design.
I still remember my very first trademark clearance search: it was for Coca-Cola. After only a few months in practice, I was able to clear the mark, and not long afterwards I started seeing it on the shelves of every supermarket.
That was a special moment – to see the impact our work can have. As a trademark lawyer, you really do walk through life with your eyes open. You notice advertisements, brands, and slogans everywhere, and you automatically find yourself wondering: Could this be trademark infringement? Is that slogan registered as a trademark?
Trademark law is part of my everyday life.
What does it take to succeed in trademark law?
Not long ago, someone said to me, “Trademark law is so vague.”
But that’s actually a common misconception.
Of course, you need an instinct for brands and a certain degree of creativity. But that alone is not enough. Intuition cannot replace sound legal analysis. You need to study case law, follow legal developments over many years, and understand the commercial context in which businesses operate.
It is only the combination of experience, legal expertise, and commercial understanding that makes for effective trademark advice.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The fact that it is so dynamic. Brands are part of our everyday lives.
I particularly enjoy supporting companies from their very first idea all the way to launching an international brand.
Developing strategies together, including identifying potential risks at an early stage, and then seeing those strategies succeed remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Have there been people who have had a particular influence on you?
Yes, absolutely.
One mentor here at the firm had a particularly strong influence on me. He taught me the importance of looking for solutions in negotiations rather than simply defending positions.
But I’ve also learned a great deal from judges, colleagues, and opposing counsel.
To this day, however, I learn the most from my clients. Many of them have been with us for decades. It’s those long-standing relationships and close collaboration that make this profession so special.
What would you tell your younger self?
I honestly wouldn’t do anything differently.
Which trends do you think will shape the future of trademark law?
Artificial intelligence, of course.
Many processes can now be automated, and that’s a tremendous opportunity.
It gives us more time to focus on what, in my view, creates the greatest value: strategic advice.
And that is something AI cannot replace.
What role do global developments play?
International trademark filings have increased significantly, particularly from China.
At the same time, more and more providers are offering standardized services at very low prices.However, as soon as trademark strategies become more complex, companies still rely on specialist advice.
That’s where the strength of our profession lies.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success means being happy with what I do. I very much enjoy working with younger colleagues and supporting them as they develop their careers. Above all, however, success means earning the trust of my clients. When they trust my advice and we develop long-term solutions together, that is the greatest success.