They heard interesting presentations about, among other things, how the rise of artificial intelligence affects the IP landscape, new collaboration tools, relevant IP education and useful experiences from two successful entrepreneurs.
Truls Brataas talked about D_b_'s entrepreneurial journey. The idea to design new bags and rucksacks grew out of the need to make traveling with ski and snowboard equipment easier. Truls had studied law at upper secondary school, and through talks with the TTO at NTNU, he and D_b_ decided that they should secure the rights to the new design through an American patent. - Had it not been for that patent, we would have been copied by one of the big ski companies during the first few years, he said.
Since then, the company has experienced tremendous growth and today aims to be "a new Samsonite." Truls emphasized that IP plays an important role for companies like his and that IP advisors must take care to follow the company through the journey: - When we started the company, there was no doubt that the IP had an extremely large say because we needed a breathing space where others did not copy our innovation to get the company back on its feet. The founder also said that investors will look for IP rights if the company later raises money. He emphasized that the IP strategy must support the company strategy.
Jonas Heimlikstøl experienced great success with the Easee electric car charger before the company hit the wall. Easee had experienced enormous growth where, among other things, they doubled the number of employees in one year. The fun came to an abrupt end due to regulatory issues in Sweden. Jonas knew the responsibilities and challenges personally and has learned a lot from history. Today he has a new start-up, Starflow, but will always think of Easee as his child.
- Loek Vredenberg told how IBM works with artificial intelligence, where they both use patenting and open source.
- Benita S. Mackay MacKay and Hanna Andresen Gisholt gave us an insight into how new technology is changing the roles of IP professionals.
- Howard Read challenged us on how we can create a good network for IP professionals in Norway.
- Rudi Bekkers gave us insight into Standard Essential Patents and innovation.
- Bente Sollid showed how current business models are not necessarily the best for the future.
Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Wurzer gave us an insight into how AI is already integrated into innovation work and patenting. AI tools today find "white spots" where you can write patent claims and search databases for Freedom to operate. Artificial intelligence is also used to find solutions to technical problems in the field of mechanical engineering. His advice is to focus on user stories, not technical functionality. Wurzer himself uses AI to create LinkedIn posts.
Did you miss the IP day? Recordings from the presentations will be available on our website in due course - stay tuned!
