IP Academy

Warmly welcome to the IP Academy!

The theme of the 2024 IP Academy is “INTEGRATION”. 

During these two days we will explore and discuss how IP can and should be integrated in the business operations of companies in order to unleash its full potential. 

In today’s fast-evolving global market, intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets a company can have. Whether you’re looking to protect your innovations, boost your business, or gain a competitive edge, the IP Academy is here to help.

In addition to two keynote speeches, the program will consist of 6 sessions in various formats (panels, talks, fireside chats), in which we will look at the topic of integration from different perspectives. This unique gathering offers actionable insights on how to leverage IP as a business resource, turn it into value, and stay ahead of the competition.

Designed for corporate executives, legal/IP professionals, and engineers at all levels, the IP Academy brings together leading experts from Finland and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge, share ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals in an inspiring environment.

Expand your expertise and unlock the value of intellectual property at the IP Academy! 

Seminar is co-designed with Roberto Castagno, Head of IPR at Neste Oyj.

The program is designed for professionals working at the nexus of business, technology and IP, and will focus on the strategic integration of IP in the business operations of organizations ranging from start-up to global corporations.

Program:

THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER

9.00 – 9.15 Opening words
Roberto Castagno, Head of IP, Neste Oyj

9.15 – 10.15 Keynote: Future of IP Management and Deal-Making
Sonja London, General Counsel and Licensing Executive, Tactotek

10.15 – 10.45 Coffee break

10.45 – 12.00 Joys and sorrows of the “Head of IP” job – fireplace chat
Roberto Castagno, Head of IP, Neste Oyj
Virpi Tognetty, Director, IP Management, Kemira
Mikael Mäkelä, Director, Intellectual Asset Management, Wärtsilä

12.00 – 13.15 Lunch

13.15 – 14.30 Creating a successful IP legal team
Kimmo Norrena, Vice President, Legal, Technology, Neste Oyj
Eeva Hakoranta, Executive Vice President, Chief Licensing Officer, InterDigital
Ingrid Viitanen, VP, General Counsel Strategy & Technology, Nokia
Eki Korpiola, Vice President, Intellectual Property, Legal, Huhtamäki

14.30 – 15.00 Coffee break

15.00 – 16.15 IP in transactions – Case study
Ella Mikkola, Head of Intellectual Property Law, EY Advisors

17.30 Networking dinner at Teller restaurant 

FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER

9.00 – 10.15 Keynote: “Is your IP Strategy Strategic?”
Bowman Heiden, Director, Center for Intellectual Property, UGOT and Executive Director, Tusher Strategic Initiative for Technology Leadership, UC-Berkeley

10.15 – 10.45 Coffee break

10.45 – 12.00 Career in IP
Julian Adamson, Managing Partner, Adamson and Partners
Sarita Schröder, Senior Recruiter, Minjon
Michael Nielsen, European Patent Attorney, Berggren

12.00 – 13.15 Lunch

13.15 – 14.30 IP in a board room
Roberto Castagno, Head of IP, Neste Oyj
Timo Helosuo, CEO, Kolster Oy
Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Advisor, Neste Corporation
Bowman Heiden, Director, Center for Intellectual Property, UGOT and Executive Director, Tusher Strategic Initiative for Technology Leadership, UC-Berkeley

14.30 – 15.00 Coffee break

15.00 – 16.15 Integration of brand as Part of Business Operations
Markku Tuominen, Partner, Roschier
Taru Kallio-Nyholm, Trademark and Design Counsel, Orion
Arttu Salovaara, CEO, BOND Creative Agency Oy
Robert Hagelstam, Senior Legal Counsel, Supercell Oy
Anna Lundén, Doctoral Researcher / Turku School of Economics at University of Turku
Henri Salokangas, Director Easyhaler & Respiratory, Orion

Networking and drinks at the roof top bar

******

TOPICS:

How to build a successful IP legal team
Once the IP strategy is defined, the implementation always requires sophisticated contractual work, to ensure that the architecture and flow of rights reflects the business objectives. A skillful team of specialised IP lawyers will add significant value to the organisation. What are the best practices for creating a successful IP legal team? 

Joys and sorrows of the “Head of IP” job
You made it, and you were nominated Head of IP in a technology company. What does it mean to be responsible for the IP function? How do you bring the organisation to the next level, becoming a trusted business partner for the company? How do you communicate the value of IP and of the IP team to the executive management? 

Brand and IP
Your company’s brand is all about IP: we will hear from the experts how you can use the broad toolbox of IP in order to create and communicate the value of a company’s brand. 

IP in transactions
In today’s knowledge-based society and business environment, the relevance of IP in the value of transactions is increasing. IP matters need to be integrated early on in the transaction planning process, and not just handled as a secondary part of the legal due diligence process. We will hear best practices directly from the experts on the field. 

IP in the Board Room
What are the expectations of senior and executive  management with respect to IP? IP is recognized as a crucial element in the business of technology companies, but it is still seldom a topic for boards and executive committees. Why is it so? What can we do to change the situation? What should we do better to “sell” the value of IP upwards? 

Your career in IP
What does a career in IP look like? What do recruiters look for in an ideal candidate for an IP position? Do you need to be a fully qualified European Patent Attorney if you aim at a successful career as an IP professional? 

NETWORKING:

Join us for an evening of great food and conversation at our Networking Dinner on 28 November at 17:30 at Restaurant Teller, Fredrikinkatu 71, 00100 Helsinki! And after the seminar on 29 November, we’ll celebrate with a drink at the Roof Top Bar, Scandic Simonkenttä.