An interview with our Munich team
posted July 13th, 2021
Bianca Strassnig
Where are you from and which path led you to ABP?
I was born in Munich but due to my Austrian roots, I also hold Austrian citizenship. I laid the foundation of my path to ABP as early as 2003 with passing the exam for professional patent paralegals (Patentanwaltsfachangestellte), the official education for administration in the IP field in Germany. The path itself, however, was anything but usual.
In 2007, love brought be to Austria, where a former colleague made me aware of ABP Anwälte Burger & Partner Rechtsanwalt GmbH, and I was welcomed into the ABP family. In 2009, my daughter, Chiara, was born and completed my happy little family. Unfortunately, this bliss didn’t last long. With a heavy heart, I quit my job at ABP and my daughter and me returned to Munich where I worked as a patent paralegal at a different law firm after my maternity leave was finished. The ABP Munich office had not yet existed at that time.
To my surprise, Dr. Hannes Burger gave me a call in 2011: "Would you like to become a part of ABP again and help establish an office in Munich?” As I had fond memories of my time in Austria, I didn’t have to think twice about it. Now – 10 years later – I am proud of having made the decision for ABP (once more) and having helped in establishing this new office.
What excites you about working in the IP industry?
For me, the varied and challenging tasks in the context of my responsible job as a patent paralegal are particularly exciting. The patent industry enables me to work independently and autonomously. I enjoy working with important deadlines and follow-ups and being in contact with clients, patent offices and international representatives. The wide range of the IP rights enables me to keep developing and learning new things.
What do you appreciate about your job at ABP?
I appreciate that all colleagues as well as superiors at ABP meet as equals. Apart from that, the familiar and social working atmosphere within the ABP family. Everyone offers support and is there for one another; collegiality is a top priority here. Not to mention all the fun festivities and company outings organized by ABP, which I don’t take for granted. I also enjoy visits to the ABP main office in scenic Windischgarsten. Due to my Austrian roots it always feels like coming home.