Pirate Hunter. Brand Defender. Entrepreneur.
Interview with Christian Zierhut – Brand Defender & IP Strategist
For over 20 years, Christian Zierhut has been fighting for some of the world’s most iconic brands – from counterfeit Baby Born® dolls and Frisbee® & Hula Hoop products to high-end car parts, haute couture, and superhero merchandise and Formula 1 and MotoGP world champions.
In this interview, he shares how he tracks counterfeiters and why brand owners should talk to him.
How did it all begin?
I’m 49 years old, studied law in Würzburg, and passed both of my state exams there. My interest in law started back in high school – I was fascinated by how abstract legal norms could be applied to solve real-world problems.
At the same time, I managed one of my family’s electronics stores while still in school – handling everything from purchasing to staff to marketing. So I grew up balancing law and business. Studying law was the logical next step.
What drives your passion for justice?
It’s strongest when I really connect with my clients. I know what it’s like to build something, only to see others copy it. One person creates – the others imitate. That’s simply unacceptable to me. I fight for the one who invested time, energy, and heart into something original.
Do you take unconventional approaches?
Absolutely. I value discipline, loyalty, and reliability – but also instinct and courage. Sometimes the best solutions come from stepping outside the box. I trust my gut, and I trust my team. That’s how we move fast and get real results.
You founded your law firm as a stock corporation – that was unusual.
In 2002, it was the only legal structure that allowed me to pursue my goals independently. It was bold at the time – but it worked. In 2003, I was awarded “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” Today, ZIERHUT*IP is one of the top brand protection firms worldwide.
What were some career milestones?
- Founding UNIcomp, a pioneering direct-sales company for computers, we dominated the market in all German university cities
- Launching my law firm and winning our first injunction
- Humanitarian work in West Africa during Ebola and COVID-19. For the IOM and Red Cross in Togo, Senegal and Gambia my company provides self-developed water disinfection devices that are used in the field units, hospitals and at Dakar airport.
- Most recently, my law firm was given an official government mandate to prosecute counterfeit drugs in West Africa which are a major threat.
- From my first years I still have a case in mind for a small German publisher against one of the largest publishers in the world – Axel-Springer AG. It was like David versus Goliath and in the end we came out victorious.
- Back then, it was a turning point for german jurisdiction: We have confiscated entire shipping halls with Chinese body kits. For KW we dismantled shocks for days and confiscated the patent-infringing component. It is thanks to Rieger and KW that no one has dared to flood the European markets with mass-produced body kits and suspension systems from China to this day. These two clients recognized the signs early on and took decisive action
- My work for Precisport, the general merchandise licensee for Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso and MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi
- My work for globally recognized brands: Frisbee®, Hula Hoop®, Stan Lee’s superhero rights (POW!), Baby Born®, Frida Kahlo Corporation, Monchhichi – and many more. We regularly expose entire piracy networks, uncover the source, and eliminate threats fast.
What does “pirate hunting” actually mean?
We detect and eliminate counterfeits – period. We work with customs, raid warehouses, seize goods, and dismantle networks. I’m still hands-on. I’ve climbed into shipping containers myself to find fake products.
And at your desk?
We evaluate reports, search online for counterfeit listings, and plan our next steps. Every case is different – that’s what makes it exciting. We adjust to jurisdictions and legal environments worldwide. No routine, no boredom.
What tools do clients have to protect their IP?
Trademarks, patents, copyright, and competition law. Each protects a different aspect – technical inventions, brand identity, creative work. The key is early registration. If you don’t secure rights, you can’t enforce them later. Today’s international systems make global portfolios easier than ever.
What do you demand from infringers?
- Cease & desist
- Destruction of counterfeits
- Disclosure of financial and production details
- Publication of court decisions
- Damages – based on fictitious licensing fees
Is there a “master strategy” against counterfeiting?
No single formula – just smart combinations:
Preventive (IP registration),
Detective (monitoring and customs alerts),
Repressive (legal and enforcement action).
Our aim: stop fakes before they hit the market – or even before they leave the country of origin.
Is your focus mainly on Europe?
We’re based in Germany, but we operate internationally. Our clients benefit from using German courts – it’s cost-efficient and effective. Ideally, we intercept goods before they’re shipped – or even better, before they’re produced.
What motivates you?
That we make the world a little safer – every single day.
Interview by Melanie Roth