PETOŠEVIĆ PEOPLE: Q&A with Djakhangir Aripov

Before joining PETOŠEVIĆ in 2017 as the head of our newest office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Djakhangir Aripov worked in IP for over 13 years. His versatile experience includes teaching IP law and being a partner in a Central Asian regional IP firm. We asked Djakhangir about his work, his favorite food and music, and much more.

1. What did you just finish doing before starting to answer this questionnaire, and what will you do afterwards?

I just reminded a client to send us the original documents required to overcome a provisional refusal. After I finish the questionnaire, I will have a cup of coffee at a café nearby.

2. How come you started a career in the IP field?

I was in my last year at university and actually did not know if I should really become a lawyer. One of my friends, who had already graduated a year before and was working at a state copyright agency, invited me to join him. I always liked creativity, and decided to give it a try. Now 14 years later I am still doing IP and enjoying it.

3. What makes IP protection challenging in your jurisdiction (and how do you overcome that challenge)?

Lack of legal framework, high level of corruption, low public awareness. I guess we try to overcome this by thinking outside the box, being proactive and constantly working on improving our professional knowledge and skills. Sometimes just having a friendly talk also helps a lot.

4. What do you most enjoy doing at work?

I love finding non-obvious solutions to the problems we face in our daily work.

5. What would you be working in, if you weren’t working in IP?

Advertising or design.

6. What was the strangest job you’ve ever had?

I cannot remember anything really strange or weird so far. However, I believe I have met several “crazy inventors” early in my career.

7. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I like going to the gym and reading about life hacks.

8. What book did you read last?

“Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman. I did not like it.

9. What is your favorite song at the moment?

“Elephant” by Tame Impala.

10. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Spinach or mushroom omelet with a cheese topping, and a side salad… and a cup of coffee.

11. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Physics. The teacher was the most interesting person at school.

12. Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.

I am Uzbek. My native language is Russian. I am 36.

13. Tell us three moments or events that have been turning points in your life.

It is too hard to choose just three.

14. What would you do if you won the lottery?

It depends on the amount, I guess.

15. What is your biggest pet peeve?

That I do not have any pets.

16. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

That health does not last unless you invest in it.

17. What do you wish you could have told yourself at age 13?

Whatever I could tell myself, I would not take seriously.

18. What cities/countries have you lived in?

Tashkent — Uzbekistan, Turin — Italy, Almaty — Kazakhstan.

19. If you could live in another country of the 30+ countries where PETOŠEVIĆ operates, which would you pick and why?

Montenegro sounds romantic.

20. If someone came to your city for 24 hours, where would you take them?

A good place to eat plov (lots of them), and any large city bazaar.