Sophie is an associate in our trade marks team and handles a wide variety of trade mark and design matters concerning the European market.
She provides strategically and commercially focused advice to a broad range of clients from start-ups to multi-national corporations in a variety of sectors, including the food and drink, media & entertainment and automotive industries.
In addition to her experience as a trademark and design attorney, Sophie advises clients on advertisement law and claims on product packaging. In today's world, there are many ways for trade mark owners to reach their audience through advertising. Think of billboards, commercials on TV , radio, podcasts, on displays in supermarkets and on banners along sports fields. Rules on claims on product packaging and advertising change very regularly and move with the prevailing views in society. As it is important to make advertising and/or claims that are in line with the regulations in this area, Sophie is keen to think along and provide clients with hands-on advice. This includes whether you are allowed to state on product packaging that your product is "climate neutral" (sustainability claims), if your car commercial does (not) promote unsafe driving, if your alcohol or non-alcohol commercial is permissible, what rules apply to influencer advertising/marketing, (permitted) comparative advertising, the clearance and protection of trademarks, copyrights, design protection and claims on product packaging. However, should a complaint arise against the advertisement claim, Sophie assists her clients in proceedings before, for example, the advertising code committee.
Sophie regularly writes on relevant topics in advertising, trademark law and related subjects, and gives both internal and external presentations and workshops on these topics.
Sophie is based in our Dutch office and works from Hilversum and Rotterdam.