Dominic Farnsworth MW is a solicitor and commerce mark legal professional. A associate on the London workplace of US legislation agency Locke Lord, he specialises in mental property. He advises shoppers throughout sectors together with tech, advertising and marketing, media, leisure, luxurious items and retail. After passing the WSET Diploma he went on to qualify as a Grasp of Wine in 2019 and works with many consumers within the drinks sector.
How did you get right here?
I didn’t know any legal professionals once I was rising up, so it was curiosity that set me on the trail at college. Fortunately, I educated at a agency that was recognized for mental property (IP), and labored in music, promoting and media from the outset. I don’t assume I might have lasted in another space of legislation.
How did you come to concentrate on wine?
I solely bought severely into wine as soon as I’d began as a lawyer. Passing the WSET Diploma (an amazing qualification and most sane people want go no additional) after which the Grasp of Wine enabled me to mix a ardour for the drinks sector with IP, and continues to open fascinating doorways. It’s simpler to work with shoppers such because the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Court docket of Grasp Sommeliers once they know you perceive them.
What’s the very best factor about your job?
The range. I might be engaged on sports activities or artwork occasion sponsorships, spirits firms for brand spanking new bottle designs, shopping for/promoting manufacturers and drinks companies, defending manufacturers for Champagne homes, managing international commerce mark registration programmes, celeb endorsements, disputes with lookalike manufacturers or geographical indication-related points.
And the worst?
It may be extraordinarily intense. Advanced points with brief deadlines are an occupational hazard.
What’s the commonest false impression about your job?
That it’s all laborious work. There are many shopper lunches protecting London’s restaurant scene afloat.
Is there a particular second or achievement you recall fondly?
Getting the decision from the Institute of Masters of Wine to inform me I had made it as an MW was a particular second. It was a far harder problem than something I’ve confronted in my authorized profession.
What motivated you to do the MW?
Extra like ‘who’! Jennifer Docherty MW, who was on my Diploma course, persuaded me to present it a shot. The late, nice Gerard Basset OBE MW MS was additionally an early inspiration. As soon as on the programme it was the those who saved me there. I’ve seen the within of many industries however the camaraderie and generosity of the wine group stands out. An excellent product, produced in nice locations by nice individuals. I really feel fortunate to have snuck in amongst them. And so they know how one can have an excellent time!
What do you take pleasure in ingesting at dwelling?
Generally I discover a technically lesser wine can present probably the most enjoyment; I usually want a producer’s Chablis premier cru to its grand cru, and I’m more and more impressed with Rosso di Montalcino which may ship a readability of sun-etched fruit that’s largely absent from Brunello’s balsam. From the Loire, Chinon and Bourgueil take me again to household holidays, so there are all the time a number of bottles of Baudry, Joguet and Jacky Blot knocking round – cellar-cool on a sizzling day takes some beating. For somebody with a supposed sturdy goal tasting potential, my alternative and pleasure of wine might be vastly influenced by emotional elements. If I’ve visited a winery, met the producer, or shared a memorable bottle with pals, then I’m smiling earlier than I’ve pulled the cork.
