The Trade Mark 20: Q&A with Rebecca Field
Q&A with Rebecca Field
I work as… a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at HGF. I have been here since 2009 and became a Partner this year.
Before this role… I was a trainee Trade Mark Attorney at Pinsent Masons in Leeds. I had many jobs before my first “proper” one – my favourite was making the trifles at a Morrisons cake shop!
My current state of mind is… wondering when I can have lunch, check on my dog Nelly and take a walk. Also how long I can put off doing watch notices.
I became interested in IP… when I saw an advert on my law school portal – I didn’t know what IP was, but I applied anyway.
I am most inspired by… people who put themselves out there, try something new and if it doesn’t work take the feedback and come back stronger!
In my role, I most enjoy… advising on unique trade mark filings, such as colour and shape, and carving a path to registration.
In my role, I most dislike… billing. It is necessary, but I find it tedious.
On my desk are… a lot of Post‑it notes (I am a list maker), highlighters and quite a lot of crafts made by my kids, mainly Hama beads and a Jubilee hat.
My favourite mug says… Cadbury Caramel. I have had it since I was a teenager; it came with an Easter egg. Clearly, I liked brands even then (and chocolate).
My favourite place to visit on business was… Washington, DC. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of the USPTO and meeting the Deputy Commissioner for Trade Marks.
If I were a brand, I would be… Terry’s Chocolate Orange, because it reminds me of my childhood.
The biggest challenge for IP is… ensuring it has sufficient board and stakeholder engagement and funds. The brand is the business!
The talent I wish I had is… speaking another language like Italian or Spanish.
I can’t live without… fizzy pop, Bubblemint chewing gum and a cappuccino. Oh, and my kids, dog and husband (in that order)!
My ideal day would include… taking my kids to Warwick Park, going on a flamingo paddleboat, visiting the fun fair and ending up at the café for lunch.
In my pocket is… generally a phone, chewing gum, wipes and random toy pieces I pick up around the house.
The best piece of advice I’ve been given is… the best people fail exams and everyone makes mistakes.
When I want to relax, I… go for a nice walk and listen to a true crime podcast.
In the next five years, I hope to… win the Euromillions and maybe do some trade marks for fun! Keep your fingers crossed for me.
The best thing about being a member of CITMA is… the quality of the webinars and events. More events outside London please!
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