Christian Fortmann studied both industrial and manufacturing Systems Engineering at the Technical University in Clausthal and at the Escuela Superior de la Ingeniería Industrial de la Uni-versidad de Zaragoza in Spain. After receiving his degree, he worked as a consultant in the area of computer simulation for assembly processes in the automobile industry whilst continuing with his academic studies at the same time.  He became involved in patent law and after successfully passing the patent bar, he became a founding partner of the firm Sonnenberg Fortmann (now part of the 24IP Law Group). His day-to-day responsibilities include the preparation, filing and prosecution of patents, trademarks and designs, conducting revocation proceedings, and opposition proceedings, as well as drafting and reviewing contracts with a focus on licensing, software and merchandising.

Mr, Coyle oversees Beanstalk’s international licensing business across Europe, Africa and Asia.  Based in Beanstalk’s London office, he has driven significant international growth since he joined the company in 2002.
During this period, Ciarán has seen the company expand internationally through offices and collaborations in Asia, India and South America.  He has also been instrumental in developing the company’s prestigious client portfolio which now includes some of the world’s leading corporate, lifestyle and celebrity brands. Prior to joining The Beanstalk Group in 2002, Ciarán was chief operating officer of a successful Cambridge, U.K. technology start-up, and  has held senior posts in consulting, sales and marketing and general management.