PROFILE: Frank Meixner After leaving school Frank wanted to see the world and first worked for the German Diplomatic Service dreaming of postings to New York, London and Paris. But he ended up in interesting countries like Zaire, Benin and Somalia for 5 years. So he then decided to quit and study law. He started his career working as an attorney specialized in patent litigation with Rospatt Osten Pross in Düsseldorf, Germany for 3 years. After a short intermezzo with L’Oréal in Germany he was hired by Bayer in October 2001 where he became Head of Trade Marks in 2007. Where were you brought up and educated? In Pforzheim/Germany which is in the northern part of the Black Forest. What’s the best thing about your job? Working with people from all over the world which really broadens your horizon. What is your favourite holiday destination? The Dordogne in France. How did you become involved in trade marks? Actually by chance. After having passed my law exams I was looking for a first job and only knew which subjects I would not really like. I then found a job advertisement of an IP boutique in Düsseldorf and was just curious what intellectual property really means. I took the job and entered the fascinating world of IP. Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions? Oh yes, I would love to publicly perform a violin concert as soloist (but I am just not good enough). What does all your money get spent on? Books, musical instruments. What is your biggest regret? Not to have practised enough in order to become a professional violinist. Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? Still working in trademarks and still enjoying it. What is the soundtrack to your life? The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi. If you could save only three things from your burning home, what would they be? My violin and my viola, but of course I would rescue my sweetheart first! What would you have done if you hadn’t become involved in intellectual property? I would have become a judge for civil law. What is your philosophy in a nutshell? Treat everyone the same way you wish to be treated. What is your favourite building / piece of architecture and why? The Alhambra in Granada because for me it symbolizes perfect harmony between architecture and nature. Which three words would you use to describe yourself? Friendly, curious, impatient. What is your all-time favourite film? The BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. What’s the best invention ever? The printing press since it helped to spread knowledge and a bit of wisdom. What was (were) your best subject(s) at school? French, history, music. Which one person would you invite to dinner (other than a family member or relative)? The current Pope. What do you do at weekends? Cook Italian or Asian food and enjoy eating it with good friends. What is your favourite drink? A Gin & Tonic with Monkey 47 (a gin from the Black Forest). Which modern convenience could you not live without? My kindle and my iPad. © 2015 The Pharmaceutical Trade Marks G ro up C irculated fo r info rmatio n o nly to PTMG Members. The G ro up takes no respo nsibility fo r the co ntents Edito r: Vanessa Parker Tel.: +33 679 316 860 email: vparkerco rdier@w anado o .fr 12