Portfolio Cost Analyzer

Anthony de Andrade
President

It’s a long haul from the bustling, colorful metropolis of Bombay, India, to the sunny shores of South Maui, Hawaii—yet it’s been a successful and memorable journey for Anthony de Andrade, President of Global IP Net.

After obtaining a B.S. Degree in Mathematics from the University of Bombay, where he obtained the highest scores on final exams in the history of the University, Andrade graduated with honors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received an M.S. Degree in Operations Research.

He left for the cool climate of San Francisco soon after graduating, where he began extensive research and development of customized software specifically for patent and trademark law firms such as Townsend and Townsend. It was from this research that the Global IP estimator was conceived and perfected. Unknown to Andrade back then, these initial accounting and docketing system software programs would lead to cost-estimating software that would soon be saving law firms valuable time and money from Hong Kong to Hollywood.

In 2001, Andrade transferred the offices of Global IP Net to Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved into a brand new facility there in the spring of 2010.

When he has free time on Maui, you’re likely to find Andrade taking long walks on the beach. On the road, Andrade enjoys listening to the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Hall, attending a ballet performance at the Royal Opera House in London, or meditating at the Ramana Maharshi ashram in South India.

Jim Esker
PCA Specialist

Soon after the PCA (Portfolio Cost Analyzer) was created and perfected at Global IP Net, it became clear an industry heavyweight was needed to meet the ever-increasing demand of clients clamoring for the charms of this revolutionary, patent portfolio program. To fulfill this role, Jim Esker joined the Global IP Net team in 2008 as a PCA Specialist.

Jim’s career as a software engineer began soon after college graduation, as he secured positions with three Fortune 100 companies spanning about a dozen years. Jim worked for American Airlines for nearly a decade, where be began his tenure as a programmer and finished with the mantle of Team Leader/Project Manager. He was involved in all phases of forecast development programming, from design through post-implementation. His specific forte was in the area of data manipulation, coding efficiency, and streamlining software for user-friendliness.

Jim was also a programming specialist for Amoco Oil and IBM, in addition to teaching various computer programming classes throughout his career.

In his free time, you’re likely to find Jim enjoying a Maui beach sunset, watching a newly released movie, or pursuing spiritual interests. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. Degree in Computer Science from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Jim also served as a Missionary, and he holds a Black Belt degree in Okinawan Karate.

Marie Vondersonne
Director of Marketing

Marie Vondersonne, originally from Chicago, joined Global IP Net in 2003. She possesses a blend of marketing and client service savvy gleaned from nearly twenty years in the fields of project management, promotions, sales analysis, and software products support training.

She joined Global IP Net after working for ten years at Information Resources, Inc. At IRI, Marie trained users to employ a variety of Microsoft products and how to utilize decision support software—to create and sustain—profitable marketing and sales operations.

With the industry experience she’s gained from helping Global IP’s Cost Estimator become the favorite of trademark and patent law firms worldwide, she has assumed a new mission. As Director of Marketing, Marie is now assisting in the promotion of the Portfolio Cost Analyzer.

Marie has other interests outside the realm of Global IP Net. She has volunteered as a mediator with Mediation Services of Maui for the past seven years. She is a certified scuba diver, who has savored world famous diving spots near Ko Toh, Thailand, and Maui, Hawaii. She is also an accomplished, professional photographer.

Charlene Wilson
Operations Manager

When you contact Global IP Net for general information, it’s likely you’ll speak with Charlene Wilson, Operations Manager. A member of the Global IP Net team since 2006, Charlene often has answers for the most challenging questions that arise, because she’s been involved in nearly every aspect of the business since the day she arrived.

Her professional journey into the field of software technology began at Control Data Corporation, where she enjoyed 14 years of fulltime employment as a programmer. Charlene was given the task of creating new programs to test mainframes, and then, by applying release support software standards, she modified those programs for user-friendliness.

Charlene grew up in Minnesota, but left the chilly confines of the Midwest to pursue a B.A Degree at the University of Albuquerque, NM. After graduating, she took flight again, this time, for post-graduate work at Rutgers University.

As her professional career was developing, she fulfilled a life long passion and become a certified Scuba Dive instructor in 1994. Charlene is still involved in the world of scuba diving, and recently taught at the renowned Grand Wailea Resort and Spa on Maui—she recalls her most memorable experiences there were working with very enthusiastic groups of children. Charlene’s other favorite dive spots are the Coral Sea, the Red Sea, and the island of Bonaire. When relaxing at home, she is an avid fan of science fiction, fantasy, and crime/adventure novels.

Rebekah Merrifield
Senior Research Analyst

Constantly collecting, analyzing, and accurately maintaining large amounts of data from over 9,000 international associates is a formidable task. In her long and ambitious career at Global IP Net, Rebekah Merrifield has met that challenge by evolving with the company from her original position as office manager to her present role as Senior Research Analyst.

Rebekah’s primary mission at Global IP Net is determining the intellectual property filing fees for every country on earth. She most often works with international law firms or multi-practice law firms with intellectual property departments, in addition to recording official government filing fees for each country. Rebekah coordinates a research staff to help assimilate this wealth of information, and the results ensure the many facets of the Global IP Estimator are precise and timely.

She is also in charge of maintaining the various components of Global IP Net’s related website, DirectoryIP.com, which lists nearly 2000 law firms.

Prior to joining Global IP Net in 2001, Rebekah perfected her professional skills in several management positions within real-estate, fine dining, and high-end jewelry arenas. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she lived in San Francisco for ten years before settling in Maui.

Rebekah enjoys yoga in her spare time, and she operates a small belly dance costume business along with teaching two belly dancing classes per week.