Sara De Toledo

The Class 46 blog is pleased to publish the first article in a new series by members of the Education Team, in which they provide a fresh perspective on MARQUES and its members.

For this article, Education Team member Graeme Murray asked Sara De Toledo, fellow Team member and first time attendee at this year’s Annual Conference, to discuss her experience in The Hague, tips for first time attendees, and her plans for future involvement with the organisation:

This was your first MARQUES Annual Conference: how did you hear about MARQUES and why did you decide to attend this year?

First of all, I would like to thank MARQUES and, in particular, the Education Team for giving me the opportunity to share my experience. This was my first time attending the MARQUES Annual Conference, and it truly exceeded my expectations.

I first heard about MARQUES several years ago when I began specialising in intellectual property. A colleague mentioned the association and told me which members of our firm would be attending the MARQUES Annual Conference that year. A few months later, another colleague who had just joined as an intern received the Lewis Gaze Memorial Scholarship from MARQUES for their essay on trademarks, which included an invitation to attend that year’s and the following year’s Conference.

Since then, MARQUES has been a professional reference point and a key source of knowledge for me. This year, my firm kindly gave me the privilege of representing them within the association, so that is why I attended the Conference for the first time.

How was your experience of the Conference as a first timer?

From the moment I arrived in The Hague, my experience was excellent. The Conference is extremely well organised. Even before travelling, participants have access to all the relevant information (accommodation, transport, the venue, and more) which makes the experience very smooth.

The fact that MARQUES arranges the entire schedule, including sessions, lunches, dinners, and social activities, is a huge advantage, as it allows attendees to focus on what really matters: participating in the sessions and networking with colleagues from across the profession.

I particularly enjoyed the presentations, not only because of the topics covered, but also because of the impressive calibre of the speakers. It was inspiring to meet people with similar interests, but also those with different perspectives. Overall, it was an incredibly enriching experience.

What did you enjoy most about this year’s conference?

Without a doubt, the sessions and the evening event at Madurodam.

Madurodam is a park featuring miniature models of the most famous landmarks in the Netherlands, a unique and fascinating venue for a social evening. The park was closed exclusively for MARQUES attendees, who had the opportunity to explore it while enjoying a fun, themed night in great company. The variety of international cuisine, paired with good beer and lively conversation, made it truly unforgettable.

You have also joined the Education Team; what attracted you to the Team?

I wanted to get more deeply involved in MARQUES and contribute actively to the association’s work. The Education Team’s main objectives (managing the Lewis Gaze Memorial Scholarship, developing educational materials, organising seminars and workshops, and leading research and development projects) align perfectly with my own professional interests.

For several years, I have been committed to teaching as a trademark law lecturer in the Master’s in Intellectual Property and New Technologies at the Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE). I enjoy staying in touch with younger generations and serving as a bridge between academia and the professional world. Joining the Education Team gives me the opportunity to collaborate with educators and students from various universities and to help develop educational resources.

How do you intend to be involved in the general activities of the Education Team?

First and foremost, by attending the annual MARQUES meetings and the regular Committee sessions, which I believe are essential.

I have also volunteered to act as an additional liaison between universities and the association, reaching out to scholarship recipients to help build connections between students and MARQUES professionals.

MARQUES is an association where every professional has a place. However, young professionals can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed in such a highly experienced environment. I would like to help promote initiatives aimed at this group and encourage their active participation in the association.

I also look forward to contributing to the preparation of articles on relevant topics and the development of educational materials.

This was also the first time leaving your child, how did you find balancing conference and that milestone?

Thank you for asking. Yes, I have a baby, and attending the conference was a personal milestone for me, as it was the first time I had been apart from her for several days. It’s a challenge that many first-time parents face and finding that balance between professional and personal life is so important.

Having the support of one’s partner, family, or close circle is key. In my case, my husband fully understands how important my career and professional development are to me, and he is as involved as I am in raising our daughter. His support allowed me to focus fully on the conference and truly enjoy the experience.

Were there any sessions that really widened your knowledge or particularly interested you this year?

I found all the sessions very interesting, but one that particularly stood out was Brands in International Trade. It offered valuable insights into the challenges companies face today due to the rise of counterfeit goods and the growing second-hand market and how these developments impact brand owners’ defence strategies and action plans.

What tips would you give to future first time MARQUES attendees?

First, I would recommend planning the trip well in advance and keeping an eye on all the information provided by the association whether via email or on the MARQUES website, to make the most of the experience.

I would also suggest familiarising yourself with other attendees ahead of time to identify people you might like to meet for coffee, lunch, or dinner, and even reaching out before the event to arrange a meeting during the Conference.

Go with an open mind, ready to meet new people and exchange ideas. And, most importantly, relax and enjoy every part of the programme. MARQUES is one of the most prestigious IP conferences, bringing together top professionals from around the world, so attending the sessions is always a highly rewarding experience.

Do you plan on attending next year’s conference in Lisbon?

Absolutely! I plan to attend all the Annual Conferences and hope to become an active and contributing member of the association.

I love the idea of discovering a different city each September, It’s a wonderful attraction for members. Attending every year also helps keep up with legislative and case law developments, strengthen professional relationships, and, who knows, perhaps one day connect with every member of MARQUES!