Ernst van Knobelsdorff

I clearly remember doing an internship at an IP firm as a student. There was a bottle on my desk—a branded bottle and an almost identical copy next to it. Tell me why this is allowed or not. I was immediately interested. Not so much in the rule itself, but in what lies behind it: how do you protect something that someone has conceived, created or invented?

I am an attorney, but I have also worked for several years as in-house counsel. My general counsel expected concise, sharp analyses. That is still how I work today: clear language, quick analysis and a focus on what the business needs. Not limited to what the law says, but above all what works in practice.

Many entrepreneurs are not aware of the value contained in their intellectual property. As a result, opportunities are missed, also in sectors you might not immediately expect, such as agriculture. I’m happy to show what is possible.

Proceedings can take a long time. If a product has already been updated in the meantime, it is worth questioning whether full proceedings are still worthwhile. I prefer a swift and targeted approach. Summary proceedings that result in an immediate injunction are often more effective than years of litigation.

In addition to my work, I serve on the board of a nature conservation foundation. My father asked me to take over his position, which I enjoy carrying out. Outside work, I run, cycle and swim almost daily. I have completed Ironman triathlons, which require endurance and smooth transitions: from swimming to cycling to running, without wasting time. My work is no different. It is all about switching quickly and efficiently.