Mixing business with a personal passion is often a recipe for success, a mantra our next nominee knows very well.

Kinga Palińska joined video game developer CD Projekt three years ago after working for a private practice law firm. Joining CD Projekt allowed Palińska to combine work with taking a leading role in an industry close to her heart.

Palińska’s nominator tells us she knows the video game industry to its core and combines her excellent knowledge of IP with a strong business approach.

In her daily work, Palińska is a member of the business and IP team. She offers advice on IP portfolio management including strategy for registrations, oppositions, and trademark disputes.

She also advises on other IP related issues, including licensing and partnership deals, merchandise agreements, cross-licensing, and marketing campaigns.

Elsewhere, she has engaged with policy makers in the video game industry and works closely with the Polish Games Association (PGA) on various public policy matters.

One of her latest projects was a public consultation on Poland’s implementation of the EU Copyright Directive, during which she led a working group consisting of representatives of various gaming companies and prepared proposals for changes on behalf of the PGA.

She has also participated in various panel discussions and given presentations at national and international conferences.

Palińska tells Managing IP: “Securing CD Projekt’s rights while working with incredible artists, having a part in worldwide collaboration deals and managing the trademark portfolio is very challenging but at the same time extremely inspiring.”