Q&A with Igor Alfiorov

Based in CWB’s Azerbaijan office, which he helped establish, Senior Associate Igor Alfiorov manages non-contentious and contentious IP work in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and other countries of the EECA region. He advises clients on IP clearance, prosecution and enforcement, handles out-of-court dispute settlements as well as domain name dispute resolution. We sat down with Igor to talk about his career, hobbies, favourite food, and much more.

  1. What led you to work in the IP field?

I took a specialised IP course at university and found this field very interesting, especially because it relates to human creativity, which I admire. After graduation, I began working at a Ukrainian IP law firm, which launched my career in this field and truly made me fall in love with IP.

  1. What has been your favourite project or proudest professional achievement so far?

One of my most memorable experiences was a challenging yet rewarding case where I assisted a client in securing well-known trademark status recognition in Ukraine through administrative proceedings. Generally, I enjoy opposition cases and provisional refusals, where building well-grounded, structured legal arguments and gathering strong evidence often leads to a successful outcome. Beyond the rewarding career growth I’ve experienced within our firm, my proudest professional achievement has been my appointment as a panelist for the UA-DRP at the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center.

  1. What are some of the key considerations for protecting IP in Azerbaijan?

Protecting IP in Azerbaijan requires a proactive strategy centered on timely registration and clearance searches to avoid local conflicts. Rights holders must also focus on proper rights utilisation, market monitoring, and close cooperation with experienced local counsel to effectively navigate administrative procedures and mitigate enforcement risks.

  1. What are the most common types of IP issues or challenges faced by businesses in your country?

The most common challenges include trade mark infringement, widespread counterfeiting and piracy, and achieving efficient enforcement.

  1. If you could instantly fix one thing about your country’s IP system, what would it be?

While there have been positive developments, further streamlining of procedures and continued strengthening of enforcement mechanisms would make the system even more efficient and predictable.

  1. What field would you be working in if you weren’t working in IP?

Back in high school, I considered pursuing history, art history, or international relations. If I hadn't chosen IP law, I imagine I would have built a career in diplomacy or cultural affairs.

  1. Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

My special talents are still well hidden. Some of my hobbies include maintaining my Duolingo streak—mostly out of fear of disappointing the Owl. I also love cooking (and eating), turning travel postcards into art collages, and collecting €1 and €2 coins featuring different country designs. More recently, I’ve developed a habit of observing global geopolitics; it is fascinating to watch how the international order we once thought unshakable is gradually falling apart while something new is yet to take shape.

  1. What’s a book or movie that has had a lasting impact on you—and why?

I’m currently immersed in The World According to Colour: A Cultural History by James Fox, which explores how visual hues and shades have deeply influenced human belief, art, and culture throughout history. I’ve also started reading The Wheel of Time after watching the series of the same name on Amazon. The most impactful film I’ve watched recently is Joachim Trier's family drama, Sentimental Value.

  1. What music are you listening to nowadays?

A bit of everything, depending on the mood. My latest YouTube Recap shows that my top-streamed artists are Charlotte Cardin, Lana Del Rey, Milky Chance, Bad Bunny, and Annalisa. Music helps me to concentrate, so I often listen to it while working.

  1. What’s your favorite holiday destination?

My most frequent holiday destination is Italy, particularly Puglia, where my family currently lives. While I am usually a city-explorer who loves discovering new regions, I appreciate almost any travel experience. More recently, I've also truly enjoyed stepping out into nature and hiking in Azerbaijan.

  1. What is your favorite dish?

I appreciate different culinary traditions, especially UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage such as Ukrainian borscht, Italian pasta, and Azerbaijani dolma (either in vine or cabbage leaves). I also love syrnyky, the traditional cottage cheese pancakes, a breakfast staple across Ukraine. Since moving to Baku, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the local cuisine; my favourite Azerbaijani meals, besides dolma, are qutabs, pilaf, and various kinds of kebab.

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

As I am currently living in Baku, I'll share my recommendations for this lovely city. I’d suggest starting in Icherisheher to explore the narrow stone streets, Maiden Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. From there, a walk along Baku Boulevard by the Caspian Sea toward the Port Baku skyscrapers beautifully showcases the contrast between the old and modern city, leading right into a traditional Azerbaijani lunch.

In the afternoon, dive into the country's past and identity at the National Museum of History (housed in a stunning former oil tycoon's mansion) or opt for the National Museum of Art for a more art-focused visit. End your day taking in the sunset views by the Flame Towers, followed by a local dinner, and finally late-night drinks at a rotating rooftop bar on top of one of the central hotels.