During her law studies in Rotterdam, Astrid's first steps in IP were at the Uitvinderscentrum Foundation (Centre for Inventors). Then she trained to become a qualified trademark attorney with one of the patent and trademark firms in The Hague before she switched to Philips International's IP department in the city of Eindhoven. In 1991 Astrid started her own firm, which is now Bakker & Verkuijl.

PROTECTING YOUR BRAND IS PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

"What makes the work fascinating for me, is the fact that I am offten involved in new developments, new ventures and new products. The trick is to give proper guidance and to find solutions in order for the entrepreneur to move forward safely. The creative process in developing new brands attracts me and being involved there at an early stage, my goal is to give proper advice in order to avoid wasting precious time and money".