Michel Rorai
Unit 24.013011 GB Rotterdam
Advocaat
Michel is an expert in intellectual property (IP) and advertising law, with a focus on soft IP (trademarks, designs and copyright). In addition to being an attorney-at-law, he is also a recognised Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney.
Thanks to his many years of experience within international corporate environments, Michel combines legal rigour with the focused, pragmatic advisory style of someone who knows the business from the inside.
Michel is widely valued for his ability to think strategically at senior management level and to distil complex issues quickly into concrete risks and clear choices. In his most recent role as Head of IP at Lipton, Michel was continuously listed in the WTR 300, The World’s Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals.
Specialisation
In addition to general IP expertise, Michel has particular knowledge and experience in the areas of:
- Strategic advice on IP portfolio management and commercialisation
- Advising on IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs
- Commercial contracts, including IP licences, joint venture and marketing agreements
- Advertising law
- Protection of know-how
- Anti-counterfeiting
Work experience
Michel has been a partner at Legaltree since 1 February 2026 and has worked as an IP specialist for more than 25 years. He began his legal career in private practice in 2000 and continued in 2005 as a recognised trademark and design attorney at Novagraaf. Between 2008 and 2020, Michel was Lead IP and Legal Counsel within the Global Legal Team at Unilever. In this role, he managed large and complex IP portfolios, supported global marketing teams in the launch of worldwide advertising campaigns and the introduction of new brands, and advised on acquisitions and brand and business integrations.
Between 2020 and the end of 2025, as Head of IP and General Counsel Marketing at Lipton Teas and Infusions, he was closely involved in the demerger and sale of this former Unilever tea division.
Memberships ancillary positions
Memberships:
- Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law (BMM) (Board member 2015-2020)
- Association for Advertising Law (VvRr)
- Marques
Ancillary positions:
- Board member, Benelux Council for Intellectual Property (BRIE)
- Member, Intellectual Asset Management Team of Marques
Education
- General Counsel Academy - Executive Program (2025)
- Professional Training Programme for Benelux Trademark and Design Attorneys, 2006
- Erasmus University Rotterdam – LLM, Dutch Law, 2000
Specialisatie
