INTERVIEW

How did you learn about the Patent Attorney profession and what inspired you to become a (European) Patent Attorney?

While working as a principal investigator and group leader at the Faculty of Pharmacy (Univ. of Helsinki), I was involved in inventing lead compounds. During the patenting processes of these inventions, I learned about the patent attorney profession. The requirement of deep knowledge in both science and law attracted me to switch to the IPR sector.

Most people know that Patent Attorneys help clients obtain a patent. However, what other tasks are you responsible for? 

While my main duties involve drafting and prosecuting patent, utility, and SPC applications and litigation, I am also involved in planning an IPR strategy for clients, acquiring new clients, and teaching about IPR to companies. Recently, I was elected to the epi council as a substitute member to represent Finland for the 2023-2026 term.

If you had to split your role into science, law, and business, what is the proportion of each?

30% science, 40% law, and 30% business.

What does the team structure at your workplace look like?

Laine IP consists of several units including Chemistry and Biotech, ICT and Mechanics, as well as a Legal and Trademark Team.

What does your average workday look like?

There is no such thing as an average workday for me. It can vary greatly, from spending a day solely drafting a patent application to handling multiple IPR-related tasks, such as advising clients, drafting responses to office actions, and setting up IPR-strategies.

What would a dream workday as a (European) Patent Attorney look like for you?

A dream work week would involve a mix of prosecuting patent applications and defending my client’s rights, advising clients on IPR-related matters, and actively contributing to the development of the firm.

What is the most exciting aspect of being a (European) Patent Attorney for you?

Perhaps the most exciting aspect for me is the journey of constant self-improvement and development to become a better patent attorney.

What are your least favourite tasks?

Tasks that are monotone tend to be my least favorite.

Does your job allow you to have time for your hobbies? Do you have any side projects related to patents?

Yes, I believe that working is important, but so is having free time. I do sports, and golf is very close to my heart.

If you could start your career over, would you change anything?

If given the chance,  I would have started my IPR career even earlier.

If the Patent Attorney profession suddenly disappeared tomorrow, what else would you do?

With the development of ChatGPT and AI it is possible that many professions, including patent attorneys, may undergo significant changes in near future. If the patent attorney profession were to come to an end (which I do not believe will happen), I would re-educate myself and explore new career paths that align with my skills and knowledge. 

What advice would you give someone that wants to become a European Patent Attorney?

My advice would be to attend as many relevant courses as possible, study diligently, and, if feasible, plan to have personal commitments, such as starting a family, after completing the exams. When choosing a company to work for, select the one that provides the most support and does not require you to sign a disadvantageous contract. Lastly, if you do not pass the exams on your first or second attempt, remember that perseverance is key, and you will eventually succeed.

What do you think about the future outlook of our profession?

During the next 10 years, I believe the increasing availability of software and automation tools will reshape the profession of European Patent Attorneys. For example, I believe that AI-based tools will influence our work and will provide advantages to both firms and clients. As processes continue to be automated, I expect that certain aspects of the work, like patent searching and drafting, will be streamlined and made more efficient through the use of technology.

While automation will bring about changes, I also believe that the role of European Patent Attorneys will evolve to focus more on substantive work. As routine tasks become automated, patent attorneys will have more time and resources to concentrate on strategic IP planning, client counseling, navigating complex legal and technical issues, and providing high-value intellectual property services. Adapting to technological advancements and leveraging them effectively will be crucial for the future success of European Patent Attorneys and IPR agencies.