In the Zohn: Abion hires ex-FIFA lawyer for brand protection

Intellectual property services company Abion has hired Daniel Zohny as its new global head of brand protection, the company revealed today, March 4.

Zohny, who will also be the country manager for the company’s Switzerland office, has more than 15 years of experience.

He spent 10 years at FIFA where he was responsible for managing brand protection strategies for major competitions including the FIFA World Cup.

Zohny was also featured in Managing IP’s Top 50 Most Influential People in IP list in 2022 owing to his IP and brand protection work on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Zohny said he was excited by the opportunity to apply his global experience to the “dynamic” Swiss market.

He added: “Abion’s client-centric approach and cutting-edge technology platform offer an ideal foundation for redefining IP and brand protection services. I am eager to contribute to a vision that disrupts traditional legal frameworks, offering comprehensive, tech-driven solutions for our clients.”

The hire marks the latest development in a year of fast-paced change for Abion, which was called Brandit.

In February, Managing IP reported that Brandit and tech-based brand protection company Ports Group had joined forces. They later rebranded as Abion.

In April, the company hired two lawyers from Keltie to lead a new UK office. Among them was Azhar Sadique, who became the first partner ever to leave the firm.

Most recently, Abion launched a Dubai office and hired two ex-Clyde & Co lawyers to lead it.

Magdalena Bonde, CEO of Abion, said: “Daniel’s exceptional track record and visionary leadership in managing and protecting brands are exactly what Abion needs to advance our mission in Switzerland and beyond.”