PROFILE: Joëlle Sanit-Hugot Joëlle Sanit-Hugot has been working in the pharmaceutical sector for more than 25 years and exclusively in the area of Intellectual Property law for over 20 years. From the start of her career, she has worked continuously in various predecessor companies to SANOFI, and spent two years as the Head of the Company’s Trade Mark Department in Germany. She now holds the position of Deputy Director of the Trade Mark Legal Department, based in France, Joëlle is on the PTMG’s Management Committee. She is also a member of APRAM (Association des Praticiens du Droit des Marques et des Modèles), and of several pharmaceutical related associations, such as EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations), and Leem (Les Entreprises du Médicament) – for which she is the Chair of the Trademark Ad Hoc Group. She has spoken at national and international conferences such as APRAM, PTMG, INTA, ASIPI. Where were you brought up and educated ? In Paris - France. How did you become involved in trade marks ? I would read more books and also travel more. What is the best thing about your job ? Which book or books are you currently reading ? Chess Story by Stefan Zweig. What is your favourite children’s book ? How do you relax ? While studying law at University I attended an IP Class. I was particularly interested in trade marks and decided to select IP as my specialization for my Law Degree. I was already working at Roussel Uclaf during this time and, when a position for a trade mark lawyer became vacant there, I applied and was hired to join the trade mark department. Apart from managing a team, practising in trade marks for a global portfolio gives me the opportunity to work in many diverse areas within my field of practice, and also to face many interesting challenges. I also appreciate the opportunity to meet and work with different people from all over the world. What did you want to be as a child ? What is your biggest regret ? A veterinarian to take care of pets (I had a cat at that time). Not to have time enough to spend with my family and my friends. Monet – Impression Sunrise. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry. Walking, listening to music, reading and when possible gardening. What is your favourite drink ? A glass of good red wine. Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions ? What would you have done if you hadn’t become involved in intellectual property ? A journalist. Which three words would you use to describe yourself ? Dedicated, sociable, dynamic. Economics, Languages. What was (were) your best subject(s) at school ? Complete the sentence : If I have time to myself I would like to travel to Vietnam and South Africa. What is your favourite building / piece of architecture and why ? The Eiffel Tower - of course - I am French. Its structure is so amazing and original. At night when it is lit, it is magical. What’s the best invention ever ? Aviation in general – it is incredible how you can fly from one place to another so quickly. A mobile phone. What is your favourite work of art ? What is the best age to be ? I think there is no best age. It depends on how you feel. What is your weakness ? Chocolate and cakes. Which modern convenience could you not live without ? © 2014 The Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group Circulated for information only to PTMG Members. PTMG does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies contained within this edition of LL&P. The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily respresent the views of PTMG Editor: Vanessa Parker Tel.: +33 679 316 860 email: vparkercordier@wanadoo.fr 14