PETOŠEVIĆ PEOPLE: Q&A with Berina Prolaz

On her eleventh anniversary in the firm, we talked to Associate Berina Prolaz based in our Sarajevo office. Berina handles prosecution and enforcement of IP rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has represented major technology, automotive, apparel and consumer goods companies in customs, franchise and trademark infringement cases. We asked Berina about her work, her pastimes, her favorite food, and much more.

1. How did you start your career in IP?

   The first time I encountered IP law was during my traineeship at a local court. I immediately liked it and, luckily for me, there was a vacancy at PETOŠEVIĆ.

2. What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

   Decisions of administrative bodies and courts are not always consistent. Bosnia is still an emerging jurisdiction and sometimes lacks specialized IP professionals in relevant institutions.

3. What do you most enjoy doing at work?

   I love anti-counterfeiting cases. They make me feel like a superhero fighting villains.

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

   I would probably have been a municipal judge by now.

5. What was the first job you’ve ever had?

   I was involved in a project focusing on the digitalization of a land registry.

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

   Hanging out with my kids. Having three of them leaves very little space for anything else.

7. What book did you read last?

   “Every Last Secret” by A.R. Torre. It’s an entertaining psychological thriller.

8. What is your favorite song/music at the moment?

   I am currently listening to a couple of summery tunes on repeat.

9. What is your favorite dish of all time?

   Grilled vegetables, especially eggplant. Fries are my guilty pleasure.

10. If you could meet anyone in the world, from the past or present, who would it be and why?

    I would love to meet Jane Austen!

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

    English — learning languages was never a chore for me, it was a pleasure.

12. What did you want to be when growing up?

    For some strange reason, I wanted to be a police officer.

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

    I have a twin sister. I am a good listener. I started driving only 10 years after obtaining my driver’s license.

14. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

    I would love to learn to fly an airplane.

15. What is your biggest frustration about the world around you?

    Long queues.

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

    Carpe diem!

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

    I would have told myself to calm down, because much more stressful things will come later.

18. What cities/countries have you lived in?

    I have only lived in Bosnia.

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

    I would definitely pick Slovenia. It is a small country with a beautiful coastline and stunning mountains, and it is very well connected to other countries I like but where we don’t have an office yet.

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

    We would go hiking from the village of Umoljani to the village of Lukomir on Bjelašnica mountain, which is to the southwest of Sarajevo. These two villages are very old, traditional villages in Bosnia and the nature around them is stunning. We would also stop for lunch at one of the restaurants there.