Our Meet the Team Series

Behind every successful project lies a team of dedicated individuals whose passion, expertise, and commitment drive innovation and excellence. Here at BrandShelter, we believe in the power of collaboration and the unique stories that shape our team members’ journeys.

This is why we want to introduce the amazing people behind everything that happens at BrandShelter: our Meet the Team series aims to shine a spotlight on the diverse talents, experiences, and personalities that make our team truly exceptional. Through this series, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the faces behind the work, learn about their roles, passions, and aspirations, and discover what makes them tick.

Today, we are pleased to introduce one of our valued IP lawyers, François Séguy.

Hi, François! Thank you so much for taking the time to introduce yourself to our lovely readers and clients. First of all, can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is François Séguy, I am 44 years old, a father of three, and I live in the Paris suburbs. I hold a Master’s degree (Master 2) in Intellectual Property Law. I consider myself naturally curious, with a wide range of interests, although I am particularly drawn to artistic fields such as music and photography.

How long have you been with BrandShelter and what do you enjoy most about it?

I joined SafeBrands in February 2018, which later became part of the Team Internet Group and joined BrandShelter in 2024. So it has now been 8 years.

How did you get into the domain industry and what is your area of expertise?

I began my career in the domain name industry in 2013 at another French registrar focused on online intellectual property protection, just before the launch of the first new gTLDs. There, I developed my skills as an account manager working with key clients (IP lawyers, trademark attorneys, CAC 40 companies). I also built strong expertise in online brand protection by managing both monitoring and enforcement activities.

I had the opportunity to attend two ICANN meetings (in Singapore and Dublin), representing the company and strengthening relationships with partners, especially registries.

I also set up a newsletter covering topics such as DNS, online security and protection, anti-counterfeiting efforts, and new TLD launches.

What is one trend or development in the domain industry that excites you the most right now and why?

I believe the most interesting topic – one that all companies should seriously consider, as it intersects with many of their online challenges (security, trust, visibility, etc.) – is the upcoming round of new gTLDs. The opportunity to own a .brand (such as .SNCF, .JNJ, or .TOTAL, for example) is something not to be missed. It allows companies to become their own registry, manage their own infrastructure, fully ensure the authenticity and security of their online presence, and quite literally own a piece of their digital territory.

You can find more information about this here.

What’s something that, in your opinion, sets BrandShelter apart from other industry players?

Without any doubt, it is the people behind the screens who deliver added value to clients every day. Their ability to adapt and remain resilient in the face of challenges is essential.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for businesses with an online appearance today and how does BrandShelter help overcome this?

In my opinion, the greatest challenge for any company is to properly control its online presence – to ensure that its name, image, and reputation are not damaged or slip out of its control. This involves a variety of actions: first understanding the stakes, then implementing appropriate measures and a form of “digital hygiene,” meaning a set of best practices.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their journey with an online brand protection service?

For a company that has never really paid attention to its online presence and suddenly discovers potential infringements, the first step is to consult specialists who can develop a tailored strategy based on the company’s name, trademarks, geographic footprint, products, and services.

What is currently your favourite TLD and why?

With a touch of patriotism, I would say .FR. It is a very well-managed extension with a strong local presence. It is so well run that the revenue it generates has helped fund the creation of a foundation (AFNIC Foundation), which supports initiatives to improve access to digital tools for underprivileged communities and combats digital illiteracy. It is a great example of how the digital world can have a positive impact on real life.

More broadly, I appreciate ccTLDs – their differences and specificities are what make the internet so rich. They are also the reason why professionals like us are needed.

What are one to two key traits or skills that you believe are essential to succeed as a business online?

Always stay curious, as things are constantly evolving.

Can you share one interesting fact about yourself that people may not know?

I am a Beatles fanatic. At this point, it’s almost like an illness, I would say. But I’m working on it.

Where can people find you?

My LinkedIn profile is here. I have been trying to share relevant information there recently. Feel free to reach out if I can help in any way.

Thank you for reading and meeting our team!

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