Sebastian Stigar

Expertise

Sebastian is an attorney and partner with specialized expertise in marketing and intellectual property law. He is daily involved in general and strategic IP advisory, including preliminary investigations, negotiations, dispute resolution, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. He also has experience with domain name disputes, customs matters, contract law, copyright, and litigation.

As CEO of Bryn Aarflot, Sebastian has overall responsibility for the firm’s strategy, operations, and continued development. He leads the firm’s transformation agenda, including the development of service offerings, digitalization, and the implementation of AI solutions designed to create measurable value for clients and employees. This work is carried out close to client needs and combines legal advisory with operational execution, product development, and change management.

In recent years, Sebastian has worked on major clearance projects and acquisition processes related to name creation, and he is one of the most trusted advisors for large companies seeking professional assistance with new names.

Sebastian also has specialized knowledge in dispute resolution and has represented several of the world’s largest companies in court in matters concerning their rights.

His clients range from small Norwegian businesses to large national and international companies across all industries.

Background

Sebastian earned his master’s degree from the University of Bergen in 2017, specializing in patent law, trademark law, and marketing law. His master’s thesis focused on the use of competitors’ trademarks as search engine keywords on the internet, supported by a scholarship from the Norwegian Association for Industrial Property Rights (NIR).

In 2011, Sebastian graduated from the Naval Officer Candidate School as the top student.

Before joining Bryn Aarflot in 2018, Sebastian held a temporary position at the Norwegian Industrial Property Office.

He has been the initiator and leader of OPPDRIFT, a major innovation grant program.

He has also led the development of Bryn Aarflot’s proprietary AI and works continuously with the implementation, governance, and responsible use of AI in the firm’s core service delivery, to the benefit of both clients and employees.

Awards

Named in WTR 1000, 2025 - 2026

MIP Rising Star 2024, MIP Rising Star 2025

Memberships

FICPI/FONIP, NIR/AIPPI, NACG, Norwegian Bar Association