George RF Souter

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Author and former WIPO domain names panelist

Why IP – what drew you to the field?
The linguistic challenge. Defining an invention in precise language or analysing a trade mark for its appropriateness for function, for example, is intensely intellectually satisfying.

How long have you been practising IP?
I qualified as a patent attorney in 1971, and have practised across the IP spectrum in a number of European countries since then, mostly specialising in trade mark and, recently, also in domain name issues.

What’s your most memorable career event to date?
My first case as a WIPO domain names panelist. Replacing the partisan approach of an attorney arguing in his client’s interests with the rigorously even-handed approach required of a decision maker was an exhilarating experience.

What’s your top tip for networking?
Cocktail parties! There has to be an empathy for a successful relationship between colleagues or in the attorney-client relationship, which, it seems to me, is immediately obvious or it will never exist. Where else can you meet so many potential associates and clients so fleetingly than at a cocktail party?

Which professional do you think is making the biggest waves in IP at the moment?
If I can be parochial, the development of IP law in the EU requires articulate national judges. Robin Jacob is outstanding in this respect.

What is your favourite aspect of the IP profession?
The camaraderie among practitioners from so many intellectual and cultural backgrounds, in what is a true ‘global village’ profession.

What is your least favourite?
It is, gloriously, a cerebral profession, but it is also sadly sedentary.

Which IP-related book would you recommend to fellow professionals?
Stephen P Ladas’ Patents, Trademarks, and Related Rights (Harvard University Press) is my own particular favourite when trawling for principles in practice.

Trademarks expert, George Souter, is a partner at Lammi & Partners Oy, Helsinki, Finland. Formerly WIPO's sole domain name panelist, his books include Domain Name Law and Practice.

This article first appeared in IP Review, issue 19

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