Agenda Day 2

While regulations are of the upmost importance in maintaining security and safety for legal teams and the wider business, there is nevertheless a growing concern in the air that Europe’s risk management strategies have started discouraging innovation. With rising annuity fees and cautious regulatory attitudes towards emerging technologies, there is the sense that this could quickly become something disabling and extractive rather than enabling. Unlike more innovation-driven jurisdictions such as the US, Europe’s approach is often seen as too risk-averse, prioritizing control over experimentation. For IP leaders though, the challenge is less about whether regulation is “too much” or “too little,” and more about how to adapt, by finding ways to anticipate costs and leverage alternative funding models.

-    Examine how IP teams can optimise portfolio spend, seek alternative funding sources, and ensure investments in protection are aligned with commercial priorities
-    Assess how fees structures may deter early-stage innovators from pursuing IP protection, and the impact this has on the future of R&D
-    Consider the impact of regulations on companies’ willingness to invest in novel technologies and what other options might exist

Most companies treat trade secrets like a ticking time bomb – no clear strategy and no tools to manage them. When something goes wrong, the damage can be significant, reason for which a shift from reactive fear to proactive control is becoming more and more necessary. But the journey is long: companies must firstly be able to define trade secrets internally and implement enough protective steps to ensure its secrecy – it is worth noting however that “enough” is still not very clearly defined either. Internal systems must therefore be built and real-world consequences must be clarified. 

-    Understand what qualifies as a trade secret and why it’s broader than you might think
-    Explore the consequences of mismanagement, from litigation to reputational damage and loss of protection
-    Learn keys ways to build a proactive strategy with internal controls, documentation, and awareness from multiple teams

Robertha Hoglund

Head of Intellectual Property
Elkem

See Bio

Nikos Minas

Global IP Counsel
Wesco

See Bio

Join this thirty-minute networking session aimed at quick-fire debate. Respond to a series of divisive prompts by physically positioning yourself on either side of the room, from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’ – a great way to know where you, and others, “stand” in the debate!   

Creating and maintaining a successful licensing program requires careful planning, strategic partnerships, and ongoing care. Done correctly however, it can reinforce status and maximise revenue opportunities, further establishing the IP department as a profit centre for the business. But how can in-house counsel ensure licensing agreements align with business objectives? And how can assets be protected from misuse?

• Delve into the importance of fostering strong relationships and open communication with licensees to resolve issues quickly and ensure mutual success and respect

• Discover ways of monitoring licensee activities at all times to ensure the terms and conditions of the agreement are consistently met

• Discuss the importance of ensuring licensing agreements support the company’s strategic objectives and protect the core value of assets

Licensing isn’t just a legal transaction – it’s a part of your strategy. Whether you’re seeking to monetise your assets, scaling software or forging partnerships with other companies, the way you price your licenses can make or break your growth. But pricing is notoriously tricky: if it's too high, you could stall adoption. If it’s too low, you could leave value on the table. This session seeks to explore how to set pricing that reflects real value, evolves with your market and avoid common pitfalls that have the capacity to sabotage your deals.

-    Explore peers’ pricing models, from flat fees to tiered royalties, and how to match them to customer behaviour and market dynamics
-    Learn how to maintain licensing flexibility without sacrificing control or integrity
-    Unpack emerging trends such as the likes of subscription models, open-source hybrids and usage-based pricing