Practical perspectives on IP strategy, licensing, and patent enforcement by Kai-Erik Elers. Browse the summaries by topic and follow the links to read the original posts on LinkedIn.
Financing Finnish Spin-offs
A successful spin-off needs financing that matches its technology, market, and growth ambitions. This article explores the Finnish venture capital landscape, investor expectations, funding gaps, and the challenges of securing capital beyond early-stage development.
Talent Mobility and Innovation Ecosystems
A strong spin-off ecosystem depends on more than intellectual property and venture capital. This post uses Silicon Valley as a comparison to explore how talent mobility, shared knowledge, and legislation shape opportunities for innovation.
The Wider Cost of Non-compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements can affect employees, employers, and the broader innovation economy. Drawing on personal experience, this post questions their impact on talent mobility and considers whether they support Finland’s long-term economic interests.
Managing Trade Secrets During Employee Departures
An employee’s resignation should not trigger a last-minute scramble to protect confidential information. This post explores how defined trade secrets, clear access practices, and regular training can help organizations handle transitions more confidently.
Trade Secret Training and Research Results
Employee training helps organizations recognize and manage potential trade secrets. This post explores questions raised during a VTT training session, including public funding, academic publication, and the initial classification of research results.
Product Liability Risks in IP Licensing
An IP license can raise liability questions beyond the contract itself. Using China as its focus, this post explores how mandatory legislation may affect licensors and why market-specific risk assessment deserves attention during negotiations.
When a License Needs Renegotiation
A start-up’s business plan can change quickly, leaving its original license misaligned with reality. This post explores payment terms, licensed products, fields of use, and ways to anticipate alternative scenarios during initial negotiations.
Changing Finland’s IP Culture
An interview with Kolster examines how Finnish industry uses intellectual property as a business asset. This post introduces the discussion and frames shortcomings in IP strategy and licensing as opportunities for business growth.
Making Licensing a Positive Experience
Licensing can feel like an opportunity when it supports a clear business objective. This post explores cultural differences, the mix of skills required, and the value of professional support in building constructive licensing relationships.
How Research Institutes License IP
Research institutes often license intellectual property alongside research and development services. This post explores background and project-generated IP, commercialization rights, and the balance between a client’s business needs and an institute’s research freedom.
Understanding Your Licensing Counterpart
Successful licensing negotiations depend on understanding the other party’s experience and responsibilities. This post explores how a clear, non-binding term sheet can communicate key commercial terms and help business, technical, and legal discussions progress.
Licensing Options for Immature Technology
An option agreement can reserve future licensing rights while an immature technology develops. This post explores this lighter commitment alongside collaborative research, project management, and the practical challenges of managing technical uncertainty.