The new Sipara director talks of his early good luck in the profession
Tim Behean, formerly the group IP general counsel for Adidas has joined the intellectual property law boutique Sipara as a director.
What was your route into the profession?
Studying law at University and enjoying it. I got my first job in part at least by good luck. In my interview I was asked, as I had expressed an interest in classical music, what recording of a particular piece I would recommend. It was lucky I knew one, but only one, and this happened to be my interviewer’s favorite.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Persuading Adidas to do IP clearance against third party rights. Involving lawyers in marketing, design and product development processes at that time was pretty seismic.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I have been lucky to work with quite a few exceptional and inspiring lawyers around the world. One thing they have in common is their creative approach and being unafraid to do things differently.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Something working with creative people.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Jaggers in Great Expectations.
What change would you make to the profession?
I would make IP dispute resolution faster and cheaper. It can and should be.
How do you relax?
Scuba diving, exercise especially running, music, cinema.
