INTERVIEW

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

Well, good question. I have a biotech background and moved to Norway in 1999. There, I saw an interesting ad for a patent attorney position at one of the Norwegian agencies. So it was more of a coincidence than a lifelong passion, to be honest (at that point in time).

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

In general, I believe that a good patent attorney should have a technical background, a patent background, and also a commercial understanding of the clients’ business and needs. Effective communication is another important aspect of our business. My professional work situation as of now is a mixture of HR, business, service development, and science/law/advising activities. I also enjoy giving lectures and holding presentations at various national and international conferences.

What does the team structure at your workplace look like?

There are 20 attorneys and 14 administrators in my department. Several attorneys and administrators work together with large clients, and a personalized approach is guaranteed for every client. We centralize the incoming case flow and direct cases toward those teams with the best understanding of the specific clients’ needs.

What does your average workday look like?

A variety of internal meetings, client discussions, business development activities, and some casework.

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

I’m not sure if you’re asking the right person here (given my extended managerial responsibilities), but I can tell you how I envision the role and how a dream day should look, in my view. First, checking messages early in the morning, followed by meetings with clients, preferably at their premises (the closer to the clients, the better). Casework in the afternoon, with follow-up discussions thereafter.

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

Meeting with clients and business partners, being at the forefront of technology development, creating business for all parties involved, and being successful in what you do.

What are your least favourite tasks?

Overextended administrative activities that consume resources, which should rather be used for business activities and client interactions.

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

Well, yes, but my personal choice is that my work is my hobby, so that makes it easier. But I do other things as well, especially exercising and spending time with my family. I also very much enjoy my volunteer work at an animal shelter close to where I live.

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

Yes, I would get a business degree/education early on.

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

In-house, strategy consulting, business development consulting, or managing a company. There are a lot of opportunities if you keep an open mind and continuously look for open doors.

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

Do not just focus on the EQE, but also on business and commercial knowledge. Get out there and create your own personal IP/patent brand, be open to opportunities, and think about the business as giving value-creating advice rather than just drafting a patent application. This creates a very different mindset, which guarantees professional success.

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

We are in the middle of a paradigm shift, especially in Norway. The old world is getting more and more outdated, and the new one is coming with full force (AI, in Norway, grandfathers will have to be replaced by attorneys who have passed the EQE; the way of delivering services, price pressure from various sources, and new business models). The ones who adapt quickly will win, but I expect many more consolidations and offices closing their doors in the coming years. I also believe that litigation will increase given the expectation of slightly tougher business times ahead.