Associate Spotlight with Stéphane Speich

• English

Dennemeyer's Associate Spotlight is a monthly feature highlighting our team of dedicated professionals who work in 23 offices around the globe. Get to know Stéphane Speich,  Patent, Trademark & Design Attorney at Dennemeyer & Associates Luxembourg.

As a European, French, Belgian and Luxembourgish Patent Attorney, as well as a German Patent Assessor he represents Dennemeyer & Associates S.A. at conferences, seminars, workshops and last but not least at the E.P.I. (European Patent Institute) as the representative for Luxembourg in the Biotech committee. Author of the book EPC 2000 Guide-Speich dealing with the European Patent Convention, and the book PCT Guide-Speich dealing with international patent applications, Mr. Stéphane Speich is a well-known actor in the patent law field. Something you might find interesting about him is that he has a passion for Ultra-Trail running! 

What IP matters do you assist clients with the most?
Patents - I like advising clients on how to protect their interests best. I also thoroughly enjoy all matters related to trademarks and designs prosecution.

What has been your favorite IP work you've been involved with or case you've handled?
I was the legal expert in an infringement action concerning the shoe brand Converse. Being involved in a patent dispute is something unusual in Luxembourg for a patent attorney since it happens less than 10 times in a career. I am proud to say that I am the only patent attorney in Luxembourg who participated in such disputes.

If Dennemeyer were a TV show, which actor would you want to play you?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

What is the best thing about the company you won't find in the job description?
The company is located only 25 minutes from my home and has a shower in the basement (crucial for an athlete).

Do you have any "hidden talents"?
Sports: I was a six-time French handball champion, I played for the junior French national team and I am also an ultra-trailer (running in mountains or deserts in semi-self-sufficiency on a distance between 100-170 km and more than 10,000 positive and negative meter cumulative elevation).
Books: I am the author of a 700-page book about the European Patent Convention and another edition of approximately 300 pages about the Patent Cooperation Treaty. When my friends speak about me, they say: « Stéphane est bien dans son corps et bien dans sa tête, » meaning "Stéphane feels well in his body and his head."
Tutoring: I prepare four candidates for the European Qualifying Examination per year (which is one of the most difficult examinations among all professions), and all of my tutees usually pass this crucial examination with flying colors.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my family and friends, trail running.

What is your most treasured possession?
My family, of course.

Where is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Everywhere in the world where www.raid-indochine.fr gives me the possibility to participate in one of their raids.

What is something most people might be surprised to know about you?
I did not do my military service.