Unlocking IP Department Superpowers: From challenge to opportunity - Success stories and best practices from IP Leaders

What we talked about:

Managing intellectual property is more complex than ever, especially with limited resources and increasing demands. In this webinar, experienced IP leaders shared how they overcame common challenges in IP departments—from overwhelmed in-house teams and staffing gaps to the high costs of recruitment and training. Attendees learned practical solutions, heard real-life cases, and discovered how to turn today’s challenges into opportunities, leveraging both internal and external support to optimize their team’s performance.

Agenda:

Effectively manage the human and personnel aspects of IP departments
Identify and leverage internal and external support resources to optimize team performance
Develop a solutions-oriented mindset
Reduce dependency on costly recruitment and training through smarter resource allocation
Q&A

Bernd Hutter

European Patent Attorney at b-hip

Bernd is a European Patent Attorney with over 20 years of experience in the life science industry. With a background in academic and industry research, specializing in microbiology and drug discovery, Bernd transitioned into the field of intellectual property, dedicating his career to the biopharmaceutical sector. He led the intellectual property department of one of Germany’s largest biotech companies for more than a decade, overseeing IP strategy and management at the highest level.

Bernd’s expertise spans strategic patent drafting and prosecution, opposition and appeal proceedings, as well as in- and out-licensing activities. He has played a key role in M&A, acquisitions, and divestitures, and has substantial experience with financial transactions including startup financing rounds and IPOs. Bernd has also been involved in US interference proceedings and litigation, and is well-versed in pharmaceutical drug exclusivities.

Areas of expertise: Patent Strategy, IP Management, Licensing, M&A, Financial Transactions, Litigation, Pharmaceutical Exclusivities

Stefan Zeilinger

Head of Global IP at EOS

Stefan is a historian of technology and seasoned IP professional with 25 years of experience in the intellectual property industry. He began his career in the in-house IP department of a label printing company, later gaining experience as a patent specialist at a law firm before joining EOS, a pioneer in 3D printing. Since 2016, Stefan has led the Global IP department at EOS, managing IP matters for both EOS and its affiliated companies.

Stefan’s expertise includes overseeing a broad range of technical topics (chemistry, mechanics, software), negotiating licenses, and supporting M&A and investment strategies. He is skilled at building diverse teams and positioning in-house IP departments within fast-growing enterprises, even under resource constraints. Stefan is committed to establishing integral IP strategies and ensuring high-standard IP services across the EOS ecosystem.

Areas of expertise: IP Strategy, Technical IP Management, Licensing, M&A, Team Leadership

Bernd Hutter

Stefan Zeilinger

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