IPR and Environmental Sustainability

One of our biggest societal challenges of today is how to move our economy and innovation structure to a more environmentally sustainable one. Notably, the United Nations (UN) have defined 17 sustainable development goals that include aspects, such as responsible consumption and production, climate actions, sustainable cities and communities, as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure (e.g. SDG9). In this regard, private law in general, and intellectual property rights, in particular, play a crucial role, as they might act either as obstacles or enablers for sustainable development and sustainable innovation. This seminar brings together scholars and industry representatives in a joint discussion on the role of private law and IPRs in the context of sustainable innovation. As such, the seminar will be of interest for a variety of audiences, including students and scholars, legal practitioners, companies, as well as to the legislature and the policymakers working on issues related to this highly important topic.

12.30 – 13.00 Registration

13.00 – 13.05 Welcoming words
Prof. Taina Pihlajarinne (University of Helsinki) and Associate Prof. Rosa Maria Ballardini (University of Lapland)

Session 1: Moderator: Prof. Taina Pihlajarinne (University of Helsinki)

13.05 – 13.30 Environmental sustainability and private law
Lucila de Almeida, Post-doctoral researcher/European University Institute.

13.30 – 14.00 IPRs, technology development and market dynamics in the renewable energy sector
Inger Berg Orstavik, Associate Professor/University of Oslo

14.00 – 14.15 Commentator –Ella Mikkola, Partner/Bird & Bird

14.15 – 14.30 Discussion

14.30-15.00 Coffee break

Session 2: Moderator: Postdoctoral researcher Juha Vesala, University of Helsinki

15.00 – 15.30 Paving the way for the Environment – Channelling ‘Strong’ Sustainability into the European IP System
Taina Pihlajarinne, Professor/University of Helsinki
Rosa Maria Ballardini, Associate Professor/University of Lapland. Title:

15.30 – 15.45 Anti-counterfeiting and sustainable development
Marianne Hollands, Lawyer at Berggren /Suomen Anti-piratismiyhdistys ry. – Finnish Anti-Counterfeiting Group

15.45 – 15.55 Discussion

Closing