This is an independent informational site. It is not affiliated with Sofie Van Der Stee, Sofie Biondo, or the entity Biondo Studios.
Public Identity Disclosure: Sofie Van Der Stee (aka 'Sofie Biondo') and the Biondo Studio Trademark.
This page serves as an informational resource for clients and partners to distinguish between the original Biondo Studio (est. 2004) and a more recent entity named Biondo Studios (est. 2020) operated by Sofie Van Der Stee (aka 'Sofie Biondo').
Timeline
Feb 2004
Biondo Studio established by Denise Ciecierega-Biondo. The business name was founded on an actual legal name and built a brand reputation for 16 years with clients all over the world.
February 25, 2015
Biondo Studio LLC formation.
July 2020
Ms. Van der Stee announces "Biondo Studios" (16 years after Biondo Studio launch).
After 2020
Instagram post stating that Ms. Van der Stee gave herself the nickname of "Biondo."
Aug 30, 2021
After a PayPal payment was stuck in transit, Denise Ciecierega-Biondo realized another business was operating under a nearly identical name. Official USPTO trademark application filed for "Biondo Studio."
Sept 9, 2021
Formal Cease and Desist sent to Ms. Van der Stee.
Sept 13, 2021
Ms. Van der Stee registers Benelux trademark 4 days later, in direct response to notice. This is documented evidence of bad-faith intent to circumvent my prior rights.
Be advised that "first to file" in a specific region does not grant immunity when the filing was executed with full knowledge of a prior existing global brand.
September 30, 2021
Ms. Van der Stee response to Cease and Desist email, after filing her trademark.
December 20, 2022
Biondo Studio trademark officially registered after over a year of USPTO examination process.
2022 - 2026
Biondo Studios results mixed up with official Biondo Studio results and work in the search engines. The two brands differentiated by only using a single "S." Ms. Van der Stee does not mind the confusion.
2022–2026
Continued instances of client confusion and accidental redirection of business on social media.
February 20, 2026
Client referrals being redirected to wrong site because of confusion between names.
Report an Incident
If you have recently interacted with "Biondo Studios" or Sofie Van Der Stee under the impression that you were engaging with the original Biondo Studio (est. 2004), please let us know. Your feedback helps us maintain brand integrity and protect the design community.