The (A) Team

Michaela Janšová

Michaela Janšová

Client Support Consultant

Jesper Knudsen

Jesper Knudsen

Founder & CEO

Giovanni Vitale

Giovanni Vitale

Client Support Consultant

Elena Zubenko

Elena Zubenko

Senior IP Counsel

Mariana Franco Paoli

Mariana Franco Paoli

Business Development LATAM

Michael Munch Østergaard

Michael Munch Østergaard

Partner

Giulia Della Nina

Giulia Della Nina

IP Counsel

Michal Bajza

Michal Bajza

Head of Client Support

Anders Blichfeld Kjær

Anders Blichfeld Kjær

IP Counsel

Ann Riise

Ann Riise

Client Support Consultant

Lorenzo Litta

Lorenzo Litta

Partner

Tina Friis

Tina Friis

CFO and Head of HR

Giulia Foschiani

Giulia Foschiani

IP Counsel

Joan Jelling

Joan Jelling

Senior Accountant

Christoffer Vedal

Christoffer Vedal

Partner

Thomas Hvammen Nicholson

Thomas Hvammen Nicholson

Partner

Federica Forchino

Federica Forchino

IP Counsel

Jeanne Gonin

Jeanne Gonin

IP Counsel

Valentin Collet

Valentin Collet

Trademark Attorney

Kerry Jackson Fowler

Kerry Jackson Fowler

Marketing Manager

Matteo Socci

Matteo Socci

Junior IP Counsel

Yasemin Aktaş

Yasemin Aktaş

Partner

Carolina Batista

Carolina Batista

Client Support Consultant

Mariachiara Anselmino

Mariachiara Anselmino

Online Brand Protection Legal Counsel

Kane Ridley

Kane Ridley

Partner / Director of Brand Operations

Azhar Sadique

Azhar Sadique

Partner / Director of Brand Innovation

Luisa Grillo

Luisa Grillo

IP Counsel

Christopher Mercieca

Christopher Mercieca

Customer Support Consultant

Joshua Bird

Joshua Bird

Brand Protection IP Counsel

Kristin Ringen Høibjerg

Kristin Ringen Høibjerg

IP Administrator

Andreas Trondsen

Andreas Trondsen

Associate Attorney

Stephanie Marinova

Stephanie Marinova

IP Paralegal

Q

Bio

I enjoy the feeling of turning client’s frustration of complications into a relief. To let them know ” Hey, I am here for you.”

I love eating out, hiking in mountains, spending time with loved ones and snuggling with my cats.

Michaela speaks: Slovak, Czech, and English

Q

Bio

I started my career in intellectual property and fell into internet and data privacy with great pleasure! I am passionate about online interactions and how to be “legal in digital”.

Being optimistic, I enjoy rain, sun and snow, in particular skiing down steep hills.

Caroline speaks: French, English and German

Q
Mariana Franco Paoli

Bio

Originally from beautiful Venezuela, Mariana likes to spend as much of her free time travelling and loves experiencing new cultures, places and people. When not at an airport embarking on a new adventure, she also enjoys perfecting her baking skills and creating delicious treats.

Passionate about brand protection, Mariana has been working in in IP since 2018. Enthusiastic about creativity and innovation, she loves to take on challenging projects and find the right solutions for the clients.

Mariana speaks: Spanish and English

Q

Bio

During my career, I developed a strong interest in information technology and cyber security matters. As part of the Legal Enforcement team, I occupy a front-line seat facing these new threats.

I like cooking, fixing computers and playing sports.

Samuele speaks: Italian, and English

Q

Bio

My curiosity drove me to explore different industries during my career: insurance, tourism and now internet and digital. I love to be helpful and useful; this is why I have mostly been working in customer support.

I am passionate about different cultures, travelling, trekking or organizing barbecues in front of the sea with nice food and a glass of craft beer.

Massimiliano speaks: Italian, and English

Q

Bio

Why I love what we do? At BRANDIT we help our clients protect the hard work, sweat, and tears that they put into building their business – what’s not to like?

My four kids took away my hobbies, corona took away all travelling, but I am still very fortunate to have my large family to keep me busy when not working.

Michael speaks: Danish, and English

Q

Bio

I advise clients on all kinds of IP matters, with a particular focus on trademark management and strategy. I work hard to achieve the clients’ interest in a creative way and always with a smile.

I am a very passionate person and I love swimming while listening to my favourite music (yes, it is possible!)

Giulia speaks: Italian, and English

Q

Bio

Customer care was shaping my professional career from the very beginning. Me and my team are always striving to offer you the best possible and reliable service – which is also my biggest motivation.

Being kind to each other and enjoying the positive side of life – sharing these values in any form with people around you is the way to go.

Michal speaks: Slovak, English, and German

Q

Bio

It is a great pleasure to help the clients secure their intellectual property rights and protect some of their most valuable assets, namely their trademarks and designs.

I try to exercise as much as possible - play football, ride my bike, occasional running and the gym, and coach my sons football team. I also like to cook for family and friends.

Anders speaks: Danish, and English

Q

Bio

I have been working in the domain industry since 2004 mainly with customer support and fulfilment. I value giving our clients a good experience with our support, knowledge, professionalism and personal approach.

As a private person, I am very laid back and prefer to spend my spare time with my family and friends. One of my core values is to make sure that the people around me are doing well.

Ann speaks: Danish, and English

Q

Bio

IP business is fun and challenging and after many years I sail in it with the curiosity and passion of a child and with the knowledge and awareness of an adult.

Whatever is dynamic and in evolution takes my full attention, that’s probably why I love sports and speed.

Lorenzo speaks: English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese

Q

Bio

I have over 5 years of support experience, I love to administer assistance and provide positive experiences to our clients, I stay motivated when they are happy.

I love to travel, I like visiting friends and family, seeing historical sites, and experiencing new cultures.

Amanda speaks: English, and Yoruba 

Q

Bio

I have been working all around Europe in the last 10 years till I landed at BRANDIT where I discovered a family of professional and talented people.

I grew up with a back bag and a guitar staying in many countries and enjoying different cultures and ways of life.

Giovanni speaks: Italian, Spanish, French, and English

Q

Bio

Our Tina loves to be active - whether it is running, yoga, alpine skiing or cold-water swimming in the Nordic Sea (bbbrrrr!!)! When she does finally relax, Tina loves spending time with her family and friends or exploring the nature.

Passionate about the numbers, Tina has been working with Finance since she left education. She is driven to make a difference, efficiently optimising our processes so that we can spend our time creating more value for not only our business, but also our clients.

Tina speaks: Danish, and English

Q

Bio

I am working in IP protection for more than 10 years. During this time, I dealt with different angles of brand protection and I am sure so much more is ahead. I love the diversity of my job and the new challenges it brings!

I am an avid traveler and I try to use every opportunity to visit a new place and explore new cultures.

Elena speaks: Russian, Ukrainian, and English

Q

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 

Q

Bio

I have been working in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property Law since 2015. My role at BRANDIT consists in providing our clients with recommendations on the best ways to protect their Intellectual Property rights online and in taking the necessary legal actions to enforce them. As Intellectual Property Law is a mean to encourage creativity and innovation, our work is challenging and rewarding!

During my spare time, I enjoy creative or cultural activities, outdoor sports and dancing.

Jeanne speaks: French, and English

Q

Bio

Originally from Armenia, Lusine enjoys travelling and experiencing new cuisines. After cooking up some of her favourite dishes, Lusine loves nothing more than taking a long walk to work off the post meal lull.  

From letters to numbers, Lusine switched from Russian Philology to Accounting and has gained several years’ experience in her chosen field. Based in our Maltese office, she supports our accounting department, making sure everything runs like clockwork for both our clients and us.

Lusine speaks: Armenian, Russian, English, Spanish

Q

Bio

As a self-confessed lover of all of things fluffy, Kerry is often found trying to cuddle the nearest four-legged furry “victim”. When there are no animals in sight, Kerry loves to spend her free time with family and friends. To unwind, she likes to go walking in nature and has recently found a new appreciation for jogging. 

Before joining BRANDIT, Kerry has worked in marketing in both corporate and start up environments. She is passionate about the power of communications to add real value to an organisation, especially in this ever-evolving digital age.

Kerry speaks: English

Q

Bio

This charming French lady loves her home-country’s cuisine and is a self-confessed quiche queen (although, still not as good as her Mum’s)! Always keen to learn new things, Severine is a bit of an Excel guru and can also turn her hand to coding! When she does finally sit down, she enjoys watching old detective series with a nice cold glass of Chablis.

With a keen sense of curiosity and determination, Severine has built up extensive investigation experience working for some big brands, such as TomTom and G-Star. As BRANDIT’s super sleuth, Severine loves nothing more than getting her teeth into a complex investigation, joining the dots and uncovering the roots of any bad actors.

Severine speaks: French, and English

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Bio

Pinelopi is a philosophy junkie and is never far away from a well-thumbed philosophical book! When taking a break from reading, she can also be found seeking her latest adrenaline fix with some kind of extreme sport, even if she does scare easily! To relax, Pinelopi enjoys spending time with the people she cares about.

After almost a decade of working in client-oriented environments, this passionate Greek national joined BRANDIT to further develop her skills while doing what she genuinely loves: communicating with people and helping them find suitable, smarter, and more practical ways of doing business.

Pinelopi speaks: Greek, and English

Q

Bio

Joan is often found on long walks with her lovely dog or enjoying a variety of sports. When not outside, she loves spending time with family and friends with a delicious meal.

An expert in crunching the numbers, Joan has experience in all areas of the finance department – from booking and accounts receivable to accounts payable and month-end closing, she’s committed to getting the job done!

Joan speaks: Danish and English

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Bio

Although Federica was born and grew up in Rome, she loves the far unknown and spent several months in El Salvador as a juvenile justice advisor helping to streamline the detention administration processes.

Back in Italy, Federica is found either skiing on the snow-capped mountains or sailing on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. She also enjoys cooking up a good Italian spread for her friends and family.

As a IP counsel, Federica is motivated by applying the mix of theory with practical to find creative solutions. Passionate about fashion law, with a focus on IP, she is also keen to learn more about the latest industry insights and make a difference with her positive attitude.

Federica speaks: Italian, English and Spanish

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Bio

With her motto “every day there is a new challenge”, Giulia loves nothing more than finding something new to push herself and learn something different. This determined Italian brings her infectious positive attitude to every situation, whether it is playing her favourite sports or making some delicious sweets, Giulia always gives her “A game”.

To relax, Giulia loves to spend time with her friends and family as well as her gorgeous dog.

As a Junior IP Counsel, Giulia specialises in intellectual property law and is currently following a master in IP and artificial intelligence at Luiss (University of Rome) to further deepen her knowledge in this field. Her passion is the protection of brands, in particular, fashion brands and she enjoys getting her teeth into a complex case.

Giulia speaks: Italian and English

Q

Bio

Born and raised in Rome, Edoardo may be a city guy but he also enjoys the great outdoors. Whenever possible, he sets sail with his windsurf and captures beautiful landscapes with his camera. Wherever he goes, Edoardo is also never too far from a good noir eBook!

With many years of experience, Edoardo holds an LL.M. in intellectual property law and is an IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (EU). His mission is to help clients in any matters relating to IP, transactions, dispute resolution and privacy management.

Edoardo speaks: Italian, Japanese, English and French

Q
Mariana Franco Paoli

Bio

Matteo is a bit of a tech-lover and enjoys learning about or playing with the latest toy, software, game or app.  Technology aside, Matteo is also a very active person and loves taking part in a number of sports, such as swimming, skiing, and fencing.

As a Junior IP counsel, Matteo is extremely interested in commercial, intellectual property and anti-trust law, always keeping a close eye on his passion for technology and the complex relationship between this and law. Matteo is keen to learn more about the latest industry topics and his curious nature means he is dedicated to finding the right solutions for the client.

Matteo speaks: Italian and English

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Whenever Yasemin gets some free time, she loves nothing more than travelling around the world learning about new cultures and history. When not jumping on a plane in search of new adventures, Yasemin enjoys translating her memories into beautiful paintings or drying flowers as a way to preserve special moments.

As an experienced IP litigator, Turkish trademark and patent attorney who has been practising IP law in this region since 2010, Yasemin advises clients on a wide range of IP issues and transactions and represents clients in complex trademark, design and patent infringement and invalidation cases as well as copyright disputes. With expertise in a number of industries, Yasemin helps clients in building strong anti-counterfeiting strategies (including customs monitoring, raids, seizures and settlement negotiations), implementing IP protection, litigation and enforcement strategies and portfolio management.

Yasemin speaks: Turkish and English

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Passionate about sports from a young age, Carolina loves to destress through some high-intensity training or boxing! By contrast, she also loves to dabble in a spot of painting, taking inspiration from her two favourite things, sunrises and the sea. 

Originally from Brazil, Carolina has a bit of an entrepreneur streak and runs her own online and physical store for swimwear as a side project to her everyday work. When in the office, Carolina brings with her over 10 years of experience in accounting and customer service and enjoys helping our clients as part of BRANDIT’s Support Team.

Carolina speaks: Portuguese, German, English, Italian and Spanish

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Mariachiara’s sense of adventure often finds her hiking up mountains and travelling off the beaten track to discover new places and people - always pushing the physical and her mental boundaries!  When she takes off her hiking boots, Mariachiara loves to spend time with friends and family on her home shores of beautiful Lake Garda and also enjoys dabbling in a spot of photography.

Mariachiara has been working in the IP industry since graduating from her studies and as our Online Brand Protection Legal Counsel, she loves working closely with our clients on their online brand protection programmes as well as on their on- and offline investigations. Big on data analysis, she enjoys testing her investigative skills to get to the bottom of any potential infringers.

Mariachiara speaks: Italian and English

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Thomas discovered the world of IP and how to protect it through his love of music. He is an avid bass player and music programmer and loves discovering new genres of music from around the world. When not jamming with his children, Thomas enjoys spending his time on the slopes for a spot of downhill skiing.

Thomas is a well-established IP specialist and litigator with over 17 years’ experience in the IP industry. He is curious by nature and is always keen to learn about our client’s business and their needs and enjoys supporting clients with overall strategic advice and handling extensive and complex domain name, trademark and design portfolios. Thomas also regularly assists clients in enforcement, litigation, and online brand protection for all IP-related matters.

Thomas speaks: Norwegian and English

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Like many Norwegians, Christoffer loves most outdoor activities. In particular, he really enjoys putting on his skis and heading off into the mountains - with or without his kids and Jack Russell Terrier - whether that is downhill or cross-country skiing. When there is no snow about, he is often found out on his bike or running around a tennis court.

Back in the office, Christoffer is an experienced (and still passionate) brand protection strategist and IP litigator with over 15 years in the IP industry. Christoffer assists our clients with clearing and securing trademarks in Norway, EU and internationally, and manages global trademark portfolios on all levels of enforcement and litigation within trademark, patent, design, copyright, marketing law.

Christoffer is also dedicated to combating the piracy and counterfeit industry - evidenced by his role as member of the INTA Anti-counterfeiting Committee and serving as chairman of the NACG (Norwegian Anti-Counterfeiting Group).

Christoffer speaks: Norwegian, Danish and English

Q
Yasemin_Aktas_BIO

Bio

Whatever the weather, I love being outdoors and can often be found taking in the scenery either on a run or a long walk with my dog, Merlot. To unwind, I enjoy a spot of yoga or meditation as well as writing a daily journal. I also like to try new recipes and discover new restaurants while travelling.

As a Junior IP Counsel, I specialise in intellectual property law, representing local and multinational companies from different sectors in IP litigation and prosecution matters. I also enjoy supporting clients in data protection and privacy issues.

Esra speaks: Turkish and English

Q
Luisa Grillo

Bio

Music is my first passion and I love singing, whether that is in the shower or in a local karaoke bar. I also like to keep fit and am often found hitting the ski slopes, playing a game of padel or taking a cross-training lesson at the gym. When not on the go, I'm also quite partial to a glass of wine.

As an IP Counsel, I specialise in legal brand protection and intellectual property law. I am a qualified Attorney at law and advise clients on all kinds of IP matters, with a particular focus on trademark management and strategy, competition law and innovation as well as private and tech law.

Luisa speaks: Italian, English and Spanish

Q
Luisa Grillo

Bio

Music is my first love and I enjoy spending a lot of my free time doing session work with various local bands. As a keen musician, I play the piano, drums and percussion and am at my happiest when jamming with my friends.

With more than 10 years of sales and customer support experience, being the client’s first point of contact and helping them out with their requests, is second nature to me.  I enjoy providing BRANDIT’s clients a good experience with our dedicated support, knowledge, professionalism and personal approach.

Christopher speaks: Maltese, English and Italian

Q
Nicola Labriola

Bio

I'm originally from Italy, but my interest in experiencing other cultures has led me to live and work in various European countries. Now based in Malta, I enjoy exploring the island and learning about the culture. In my free time, I love to play sports, travelling to new destinations and spending time with my family and friends.

I have been working in IT and customer facing roles for over 10 years and am passionate about technology, innovation, and customer support. As a Client Support Consultant, I take pride in ensuring our clients benefit from a good experience with our dedicated and personal service. I support clients with their domain portfolio management, including their domain registrations, transfers and administration.

I have a diploma in IT and accountancy and a degree in modern languages.

Nicola speaks: Italian, French, Portuguese, Spanish and English

Q
Nicola Labriola

Bio

Whether it is walking, hiking, swimming or travelling, there is nothing more I love than being active and discovering new environments or cultures. When I do press pause, I enjoy watching movies, playing board games, listening to my favourite tunes, or catching up on the latest French and international news.

As a Trademark Attorney, my role is to monitor, protect and defend the intellectual property rights of our local and international clients. Meticulous, rigorous and skilled in contract law, I strive to exceed expectations, no matter how complex or subtle they may be.

Valentin speaks: French and English

Q
Nicola Labriola

Bio

During the winter months I love cross country skiing. Living in Oslo, I am fortunate that I can jump on a bus or train and be on the slopes in no time, which I really appreciate.

When the snow melts, I still enjoy being outdoors, whether it is hiking in nature, swimming in the ocean, reading a book in the sun, or just spending time with my friends and family.

Having worked within the IP industry for 5 years, I have extensive experience supporting clients with IP portfolio management, including renewal of intellectual property rights and all tasks that fall under this bracket. As an IP Administrator, I enjoy assisting in monitoring, protecting and defending our clients IP rights, including collaborating with NIPO, EUIPO, WIPO and other relevant authorities.

Kristin speaks: Norwegian and English

Q
Nicola Labriola

Bio

Running is one of my main passions; whether it’s short-distance, trail or ultra-running, I am never far from a pair of sports trainers. I also enjoy hiking and camping and just generally being in the great outdoors, and although the Norwegian climate is wonderful, I do also like to travel and see new, and hopefully warmer, places.

As an Associate Attorney, I specialise in intellectual property law, with a particular focus on trademarks. I have also worked closely with the university and education sector giving lectures and providing valuable insights on a variety of IP topics including patent and design law, trade secrets and IP strategy. As a project manager I have developed educational programs covering digital technologies, cyber security and the value of data.

I use my extensive IP experience to support clients and offer invaluable recommendations to help build successful strategies that add value to our clients and their businesses.

Andreas speaks: Norwegian and English

Q
Kane Ridley

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

Q
Azhar Sadique

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

Q
Azhar Sadique

Bio

Although I chose to follow the legal path for my day-to-day job, I also love to sing professionally and have participated numerous competitions over the past 15 years, including the well-known X factor TV programme. I am an avid lover of historical and detective novels and a real Potterhead! I also enjoy travelling and whenever I see an opportunity, I immediately book flight tickets to go and explore new cultures and cuisines.

Following my law studies, I have gained experience working with legal firms where I supported clients with  various issues varying from registration of trademarks to commercial and data protection law. As an IP Paralegal, I’m passionate about supporting our clients protect their IP rights, including reviewing monitory inputs for IP infringements, assessing different brand threats, as well as investigating on potential new violations.

Stephanie speaks: English and Bulgarian

Q
Azhar Sadique

Bio

My recent relocation to Malta allows me to enjoy my main passion of sailing. There is nothing I love more than spending hours on the water taking in the fresh air and amazing scenery. My second love is for wine and cheese and I enjoy discovering new varieties and pairing them together. The combination of all of this means I’m passionate about travel and discovering new cultures and recipes.

For the past three years, I have worked in brand protection for some of the industry’s main players, helping businesses protect their intellectual property and maintain their reputation in the marketplace. I am passionate about this field and have vast knowledge of traditional IP protection combined with regulatory enforcement. I specialise in Marketplace, Blockchain and Social Media enforcement, having worked with many clients across a multitude industries, including: Luxury & Fashion, Entertainment and FMCG leading to a.

Joshua speaks: English and French

Some more things about us…

Languages spoken

Countries

our staff is from more than 10 countries

Award winning

We're always looking
for bright minds

We are truly happy that you find a future position at BRANDIT interesting. If you can’t find an open position that matches your qualifications, we’re always pleased to receive unsolicited applications.

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