As of today, we are able to offer British clients our full range of services and leading our expansion into this region are two key industry players, Azhar Sadique and Kane Ridley.
Azhar and Kane, formerly Partner and Head of Trademark Services at a leading IP specialist firm, respectively, combine their expertise to partner with our new EU IP powerhouse, bringing over 34 years of combined experience in the IP business and are well-known for their unique perspectives and industry insights.
Bio
I have been in the world of Digital and IP for almost 20 years and I love to see the developments there have been. I like to challenge norms, to push boundaries and to find new improved ways to do things. Mostly I love working with people. In this world where everything turns around software and digitalization, I find important to add the “magic” called people. When you have both innovation and people, you can offer the best solution.
I am a black belt in martial arts and in my younger days I played football at a high level. Both are still very close to my heart; I like to keep myself active. I am also a big wine-lover but a terrible cook.
Jesper speaks: Danish, English, and German
Bio
As an avid sportsperson, I am a firm believer in collaboration and teamwork. I value my partnerships with teammates and live by the famous Michael Jordan quote “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” When not playing sports, I love spending time with my family and sailing, having recently completed my boat captain license.
I have been working in the IP industry for over 14 years and am a passionate and experienced IP expert. With my commitment to revolutionising the IP industry, I’m focused on championing innovation and empowering our clients with bespoke solutions that perfectly suit their individual needs.
As a thought leader and speaker, I have sat as an expert on service provider Advisory Boards, designed and delivered CITMA Paralegal and EUIPO EUTMD courses and have Chaired several INTA Committees, including my current role leading the INTA TMA Committee.
Azhar speaks: English
Bio
After my days backpacking and hiking around Australia and New Zealand, I get great satisfaction from travelling and experiencing different cultures. Outside of travel and adventure, I’m also a keen gamer, and when not online, I like to keep up with the industry by reading the latest gaming news. I love how my passion for the gaming world combines with my profession in protecting IP. Hobbies aside, my main love is spending time with my family, who ensure I’m always kept busy.
With over 20 years within the IP industry, I have spent a large part of my career managing global IP portfolios. Passionate about improving our client’s journey through smart brand-tech solutions, I have extensive experience in the strategic delivery of IP management and technology solutions alongside the running of IP functions such as paralegals, formalities, renewals and support teams.
I am a leading voice in the evolution of the IP Paralegal profession and am an active member on the CITMA Paralegal Committee and Council as well as the INTA Trademark Administrators Committee.
Kane speaks: English
– “Opening a UK office strengthens our European position further and partnering with two top-ranked industry experts sharpens our offering and adds to our expertise“, says Magdalena Bonde, CEO of Ports Group.
A 360-degree full IP solution from one provider
With BRANDIT and Ports Group, Azhar and Kane are excited to be the first agency in the UK to bring together a full range of services under the one roof – meaning clients can benefit from a 360-degree full IP solution from the one provider. The dynamic duo also shares in our desire and vision to transform the IP industry by bringing value and innovation through the introduction of cutting-edge, tech-enabled solutions that actually help our clients navigate the evolving IP market, which will provide brand owners with the freedom to supercharge their portfolios.
– “I have known Azhar and Kane for a number of years, and I soon realised that we are aligned in one important factor…doing things differently…but together. Our collective mindsets and the reputation our growing firm brings puts us in a very unique position to really drive change in the IP space“, says Jesper Knudsen, founder of BRANDIT and Group Director New Markets.
Accelerating us towards becoming an EU powerhouse
By joining the BRANDIT and Ports Group organisation, the UK team can continue in their commitment to driving change. Together, we are able to push for the connections between software that serves us as a business and software that serves our clients, introducing creative solutions that change the core of how we engage with clients and colleagues in the industry. These solutions will really challenge the current model with a key focus on the output and efficiency for clients. This is particularly pertinent under the current climate where staffing concerns, budget restrictions and the ever-evolving challenges faced by brands tackling brand abuse.
Our decision to open a UK office is a testament to our ambitious strategy. As of today, we are now over 140 people in over 18 offices, covering 11 countries. Our emphasis on the power of the team and scalability is accelerating us towards becoming an EU powerhouse in the market…and we don’t plan on slowing down.
The news has caused quite a stir within the industry and as part of the UK launch, Azhar and Kane spoke to Managing IP. Read the full article here:
If you have any questions about our UK services or how we can help you in this region, please do not hesitate to email Azhar, Kane or Jesper; or contact the main office on +41 44 515 65 75 / communication@brandit.com / uktm@brandit.com
Bio
I have been in the world of Digital and IP for almost 20 years and I love to see the developments there have been. I like to challenge norms, to push boundaries and to find new improved ways to do things. Mostly I love working with people. In this world where everything turns around software and digitalization, I find important to add the “magic” called people. When you have both innovation and people, you can offer the best solution.
I am a black belt in martial arts and in my younger days I played football at a high level. Both are still very close to my heart; I like to keep myself active. I am also a big wine-lover but a terrible cook.
Jesper speaks: Danish, English, and German
