We are all well aware of how the world of work has changed for legal professionals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In your opinion, what have been the greatest changes? How we interact with colleagues and clients has changed significantly, moving from a more formal meeting setting to one that is more relaxed. Whilst the benefits of face-to-face meetings can never truly be replicated with virtual meetings, the convenience of video makes it easier to keep in touch regularly with clients. We also now work in a more agile way that includes both home working and office working, which can allow for greater flexibility and increased productivity. How has the pandemic affected working practices for trade mark attorneys in particular? As a result of the pandemic, businesses have had to adapt and diversify. This naturally has led to a wave of new innovations requiring IP protection. In particular, a significant increase in eCommerce has driven innovation in online marketplaces and social media platforms but has also given rise to a significant increase in counterfeit goods. This has resulted in an increased need for online protection of rights and enforcement strategies. Our role involves an international element as managing our clients’ global portfolios requires us to work with a large network of trusted overseas associates. Building and maintaining these relationships during the pandemic was more challenging due to travel restrictions, and communication channels had to be kept open. Inperson conferences and events, where we can reconnect with our contacts and foster new relationships, are now more important than ever. In what ways have methods of teaching and routes to qualification for trade mark attorneys been altered? Traditionally, the teaching of trainees and junior members of the profession took place in an office environment, where conversations could be had easily, colleagues could be observed Post-COVID Challenges in Trade Mark Law 58 LAWYERMONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2022 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious effect across the full breadth of the working world. The same is true for the legal sector, and for trade mark law, which is now emerging from the pandemic era in an altered form. Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Beverley Robinson sheds some light on the effects of the health crisis on trade mark law and IP more broadly, as well as the other trends currently shaping the careers of trade mark attorneys. Expert Insight
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