As a partner in our Intellectual Property Group in London, I have worked extensively with multinational organisations across various industry sectors in all areas of soft IP.  My particular focus is helping clients solve trade mark and copyright issues that have a digital or online focus.

A major part of my practice is working with companies to set up their global brand enforcement projects: using technology to streamline processes for clients and make their anti-counterfeit programmes as cost effective as possible. This work includes developing strategies to help large global brands protect and enforce their rights from online infringement, taking into account the complicating risk factors regarding new gTLDs.  As part of developing global anti-counterfeit strategies I have worked extensively with the customs authorities; as a result I was invited to be the Irish liaison between rights holders and international customs authorities in the initial phase of the World Customs Organisations’ innovative Interface Public-Members Tool project.

My digital focus relates to all IP issues arising online, including highly complex issues regarding copyright infringement, hyperlinking and the communication of works to the public.  I work with a range of service platforms, content owners and content creators helping them navigate their business against a changing legislative backdrop, enabling them to maximise their digital and data assets for commercial success.

While my focus has been on contentious IP work – including mediation and arbitration – I have also worked on major corporate transactions with significant IP issues, particularly on transactions that involve complex cross-border issues, future-proofing IP arrangements to take account of digital developments.

I’m also interested in how we can develop new methods of providing our services to clients and forcing us to think outside the box:  I like to challenge how we can build better relationships with our clients and help them in ways traditional lawyers don’t

Esmeralda is the founder and Executive Director of EB Management, a brands and talents management company that connects the Fashion and the Entertainment world creating outstanding collaborations.

Born in the Balkans, Esmeralda grows up in Italy and attends Law School in Milan.

After many years and relations in the Italian capital of Fashion, and a Production School experience in Los Angeles, in 2007, Esmeralda opens her own company and starts working with international luxury brands and talents with projects allover the globe.

One part Executive, one part Entrepreneur, one part lawyer, one part PR.

Many parts to make a 360° professional.

Julia is the founder of the Change Management Group (CMG), a leading global consultancy with hubs in Europe, Dubai, Australia and the US. With a mission to implement sustainable change that “builds lasting value”, CMG’s expertise is proven to increase the value of the companies they work for.

She has deep knowledge of the retail and consumer products sectors; has worked in the sector for more than 30 years and is always seeking to support and develop the industry. Previous roles include European IT Director for the Disney Stores, CTO of an online fashion retailer (brandfever.com) and a senior role in the Consumer Consulting Practice at EY.

She and her team worked with a wide range of fashion companies, from luxury to discount, including Burberry, Chalhoub Group, Gap Inc, Arcadia Group, Tesco, Landmark Group, RIXO, Liberty, River Island, Missoma, ASOS, BURO and more.

They have led complex change programmes covering business restructuring (M&A, growth, right-sizing), technology (ERP, Digital, PLM) and process/supply chain re-engineering with more than 50 companies.

Julia is also an advocate for working to ensure Human Rights are realised by everyone.  She is the Chairman for the Consortium for Street Children, a UN-backed global network of NGOs that focuses on child rights for street children; and she serves as Vice-Chair of the Global Media Campaign to end FGM.

She holds a BSc in Anthropology from Vassar College, USA and an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, where she currently coaches MSc students in developing new businesses.