4.Election to Council 2026 - Candidates

Involved with IP matter since 1994, initially on the scope of innovation relay centres networking and exchange projects, part of professional projects between Albania and other countries, pertinent to nature resource management.
The patent and trademark attorney work initiated after the 1995, from the Albania Patent and Trademark office, with a trademark portfolio and patent matters that have been continuously expanding and growing in the successive 30 years. In the frame of this activity, other affiliations have been solicited and several international partnerships established aiming information and dissemination of knowledge and experience on intellectual property matter, as well as implications from the national perspective, in various relevant fields such as economy, industry and science and respective technologies.
Experience is owned in respect with Albanian regulatory frame applied on IP and related matters, transfer of scientific research and its relevance into development of participatory programs/projects nationwide etc. providing liaison to network of professionals, partners and subjects which are all interested and involved directly or indirectly with the IPRs issues.
The IP practice has encouraged, stimulated and supported several SME and economic operators with professional assistance in IPRs areas, copyright, legal aspects and the associated problems including also provision of protection of IPRs with the respective Albanian institutions

Graduated in Mechanical/Metallurgy Engineering (ENTMD, Douai, France, IUT Nancy, France), 1977
PhD (Docteur Ingénieur) ENSCP, Paris VI, 1982
Professor at Polytechnic University of Tirana, 1982-2010
Albanian Patent & Trademark Attorney since 2000
European Patent Attorney since 2010
Director of PETOSEVIC IP Office Tirana – since 2011
EPI Board Member 2011-2017
EPI Council Member since 2011 (2011-2014; 2014-2017; 2017-2020; 2020-2023; 2023-2026)
Memberships: EPI, FICPI, AIPPI; INTA

Ela Shomo Panidha

Born in Tirana in 1976
Studied Electronic Engineering, Master degree in Computer Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Tirana
Admitted as Albanian IP Attorney since 2000
Admitted as European Patent Attorney since 2011
Working for EUROMARKPAT ALBANIA as a Patent and Trademark Attorney since 2000

Main fields of activity

Areas of technical expertise: Electronic engineering, Computer Science
Advising clients in all areas of industrial property protection
Representing clients in the prosecution before AL-IPO and enforcement of national patent, trademark, design, and geographical indication applications
Patent prosecution before the European Patent Office
Representing clients in trademark opposition, cancellation, and infringement proceedings

Memberships : INTA; ECTA; EPI
Languages: Albanian, English, Italian
Hobbies: Volleyball

Vjollca Shomo

Born in Tirana in 1951
Studied English Literature at the University of Tirana
Manager of the Intellectual Property Department at the Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for many years with responsibilities as an IP adviser, representative and examiner
Admitted as an Albanian Patent Attorney in 1994
Admitted as a European Patent Attorney in 2011
Has been working for EUROMARKPAT since 1994
Main fields of activity

Advising clients in all areas of industrial property protection
Representing clients in patent application and opposition proceedings before the Albanian Patent and Trade Mark Office and before the European Patent Office
Representing clients in patent revocation and infringement proceedings before the relevant court in Tirana
Assisting clients in applying for and registering trade marks, designs and indications of geographical origin before the Albanian Patent and Trade Mark Office
Representing clients in trade mark opposition, cancellation and infringement proceedings

Memberships: INTA; ECTA
Languages: Albanian, English, French
Hobbies: poetry writing, reading

- Studies of Technical Physics at Vienna Technical University
- Training as patent attorney in industry (at VA Technologie AG)
- European Patent Attorney since 2000
- Austrian Patent Attorney since 2003
- Patent Department at Siemens AG Austria
- Kliment & Henhapel Patentanwälte OG since 2008
- Lay judge in patent matters at the Higher Regional Court of Vienna since 2020

Member of epi Council since 2005

Dipl.-Ing. Boris André Prehofer
Radegunderstraße 112b/4
8045 Graz
Austria
Phone: 0043 664 88555407

Date of Birth: 27.09.1980
Nationality: Austrian


Professional Experience:

Since 2025: Board member at "Österreichische Vereinigung für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht".

Since 2023:
epi Council member and member of PCC.
Federation of Austrian Industries / SACEPO delegate.

Since 2015: Patent Professional at Siemens AG Österreich, Vienna (Austria). Responsible for the railway bogies and pantographs unit of Siemens Mobility Austria GmbH.

2015-2015: Project Engineer for bogies of coach and commuter trains at Siemens AG Österreich, Graz (Austria).

Since 2013: External lecturer at Graz University of Technology, Institute of Structural Durability and Railway Technology (former working group for lightweight design, Institute of Machine Components and Methods of Development), course "Railway Technology".
2012-2013: External lecturer at Graz University of Technology, Institute of Mechanics, course "Mobile Robots".

2011-2014: Development Engineer for railway bogie brakes at Siemens AG Österreich, Graz.
2013: Admission to the "Circle of Expertise", title "Expert".

2010-2011: Deputy head of the Research Platform Flight Simulation at Graz University of Technology.

2007-2011: Scientific/University Assistant at Graz University of Technology, Institute of Mechanics.


Completed Education:

2022: European Qualifying Examination (EQE) passed, European Patent Attorney since 2022.

2007: Master of Science (MSc, "Diplomingenieur") in Mechanical Engineering and Business Economics at Graz University of Technology. Final diploma examination passed with excellent success.

1999: Matura at the Bundesgymnasium Seebachergasse Graz. Examination passed with excellent success.

Language Skills: German (mother tongue), English, Italian, basic skills in French and Spanish.

Working in Andritz AG. Now retired.
2002-2020 member of epi Counsil
1998-2017 member of PQC/PEC
since 2017 member of Supervisory Board of EQE
since 1993 member of epi
2003-2024 Austrian Patent Attorney

director IP, imec vzw
legal
- European (2005)&Belgian (2006) patent attorney
- MaNaMa IPR 2006
- certified European patent litigator 2008
activities
- President of the general assembly of the Belgium
institute of patent attorneys
- board member AIPPI-BE
scientific
- master in electrical engineering 1991
- master in electronic engineering 1988

I wish to continue representing the Belgian constituency and serving the Institute with the same commitment, energy, and determination I have demonstrated throughout my career. I remain dedicated to advancing epi’s objectives through active participation in both Council and committee work.

Most relevant past service in or for epi
• Council: Member since 2002; President 2017–23
• Committees: Member since 1991 (except 2017-23)
- Harmonisation Committee (1991–2008; Chairman
2000–08)
- EPPC Committee (2005–17; Chairman 2008-17)
- PCC and Nominations Committees (since 2023)
• SACEPO and Working Parties: various positions
since 2005
• EPAC Board: Member since 2022
Background and Qualifications
• PhD in Chemistry, University of Liège
• Diploma in Patent Litigation in Europe, University of
Strasbourg
• Certificate, Judicial Expert, University of Liège
• European and Belgian Patent Attorney
• UPC Representative
Professional Experience
• Over 30 years in industry, followed by 10 years in
private practice

I am a qualified Dutch & European Patent Attorney as well as UPC Representative with a background in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmaceutics

I have worked both in-house and in private practice and try to be an ambassador for the profession by providing trainings, connecting at networking events and keeping myself up to date through attendance of events aimed at IP professionals. I am fluent in Dutch and English, and reasonably fluent in Japanese, French and German.

Work experience:
2018-2021: (Trainee) Patent Attorney in Pharma Team in NLO (NL)
2021-2024: Biologics Patent Counsel at Sanofi (Gent)
2025: Patent Attorney & Business Developer at IFORI (Gent)

Other relevant professional experience:
2014: Internship at TraskBritt in US
2022-2024: Speaker at Life Sciences Strategy Summit on IP & Exclusivity as well as Global Biologics, Cell and Gene Legal Summit

I am committed to representing the Belgian patent profession group as a whole, especially also the younger generation as well as the women in the patent profession who often are underrepresented.

Ewan Van Minnebruggen – Belgium

I am honored to express my continued commitment to serving on the Council of the European Patent Institute (epi) for the upcoming 2026–2029 term.

1. epi Involvement:
Full Member of the epi Council (2023–2026)
Substitute Member of the epi Council (2020–2023)
Substitute Member of the Professional Conduct Committee

2. Education & Qualifications:
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering – Antwerp University
Master of IP Law and Management – University of Strasbourg
Diplomas in Patent Litigation and IP Business Administration – University of Strasbourg
Export Compliance International Master – EIFEC
European Patent Attorney, Belgian Patent Attorney, European Trademark Attorney
Representative before the Unified Patent Court

3. Professional Experience:
Over 22 years of experience in patent drafting, prosecution and enforcement in both private practice and industry. 15 years in global leadership roles in IP and trade compliance within industry.

4. Statement of Commitment:
I am committed to continuing my active contribution to the epi Council for the 2026–2029 term. With a strong foundation in IP law, international collaboration, and professional ethics, I aim to support the Institute’s mission and represent Belgian members with dedication and integrity.

Patent and Trademark Attorney of the Republic of Bulgaria (reg. No. 161, since 2002)
European Patent Attorney (EPO No. 0123960, since 2002)
European Trademark and Design Attorney (EU IPO No. 6889, since 2007)

Professional activity
Climate Atmosphere and Water Research Institute
Bulgarian Academy of Science
- Senior Assistant Professor: Sept 2025 - Present

Dr. Emil Benatov & Partners, Bulgaria
- Managing Partner: Jan 2017 – Present
- Patent Attorney: Apr 2002 – Present
- Patent Specialist: Dec 1999 – Apr 2002
- Paralegal: Dec 1997 – Dec 1999

epi activity
- Council member of epi from Bulgaria: 2014-2017, 2017-2020, 2020-2023
- Member of EPPC: 2014-2017
- Member of PCC: 2021-present


Education

European Patent Academy, European Patent Office
- „Train the Trainers“ program follow-up seminar, 2011
- „Train the Trainers“ program, 2009
- „Train the Trainers EPC2000“, 2006

Management & Law of Intellectual Property
Institute for postgraduate students at University of National and World Economy, Republic of Bulgaria, 1999-2001

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Palaeontology (Middle Triassic paleontology and stratigraphy), 1994 – 1998

Master's degree
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Geology (Earth Science), 1989 – 1994

Working languages: Bulgarian, Russian, English

I am Mariya. I love to travel. I manage already 16 years a blog for culture, where I write for opera, ballet, cinema, books, traveling and share my experience.
On the professional side, I’m Chemical engineer (my master degree is Industrial Chemistry), have a professional qualification in Patent law and a PhD on Organic Chemistry.
In total I have 18 years experience in patent rights protection at different levels, 10 of which in the pharmaceutical industry (Sopharma Pharmaceuticals and Actavis/Teva). Last 2 years I worked in-house for the company specialized in material sciences, Umicore in Belgium. I also worked as a freelancer in private practice for almost 6 years.
I am fluent in English and French, two of the official EPO languages. I speak Italian and I use Spanish and Russian. I also have basic knowledge of Dutch and German.
I am also Bulgarian Patent Representative.

My work at Epi for the term 2023-2026
European Patent Practice Committee (EPPC) - Full member
EPPC Technological group Pharma – Full member
EPPC WG Guidelines
Professional Education Committee (PEC) - Full member
PEC “Education of professional representatives’ staff” subcommittee
PEC “EQE” subcommittee

OLGA SIRAKOVA

Address
Interius
Gen. St. Atanassov Str. No. 5
Sofia 1113
Bulgaria

Job Experience
1981 – 1993 Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – lawyer at the Patent and Trademark Bureau of the Chamber
since 1993 Interius – partner
since 1993 Attorney at Law
since 1993 Patent and Trademark Attorney
since 2007 European Patent Attorney
since 2007 European Trademark and Design Attorney

International non-governmental organizations

AIPPI
2003 - 2007 and 2010 - 2012 President of the Bulgarian National Group of AIPPI
2006 - 2010 Member of the Nominating Committee of AIPPI
2010 - 2014 Chairperson of the Nominating Committee of AIPPI
2014 - 2019 Bureau member of AIPPI
2017 - 2019 Secretary General of AIPPI
since 2020 Member of Honor

ECTA
2010 - 2018 Member of the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee of ECTA
2010 - 2018 Council Member
since 2020 Member of the Law Committee of ECTA

epi
since 2020 Full Council member
2020-2021 Member of Professional Conduct Committee of epi
2021-2023 Secretary General of epi
since 2021 Member of the Working Group on Diversity and Inclusion
since 2020 Substitute member of the Litigation Committee

INTA
since 1993 Member

Education
1971 - 1976 English Language School – Sofia
1976 - 1980 Sofia University – Law Faculty
since 1991 Ph.D. in Law

Language skills

Bulgarian native
English fluent
Russian advanced
German intermediate

M.Sc. Konstantin Tahtadjiev

Practice and Professional Experience

-Graduated from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” with a B.Sc. degree in Applied Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Protection of Information in Computer Systems and Networks.

-Joined the IP agency K TAHTADJIEV in 2007, focusing primarily on the preparation, filing, and prosecution of Bulgarian patent and utility model applications, PCT applications, European patent applications, European patent validations, as well as patent searches and strategies.

-Subsequently qualified and was entered in the official list as a Bulgarian Patent, Trademark and Design Attorney before the Bulgarian Patent Office (BPO).

-Gained extensive experience in all aspects of trademark and design practice, including filing, prosecution, opposition, maintenance, searches, infringement, enforcement, and strategic advice before the Bulgarian Patent Office, EUIPO, and WIPO.

-In 2018, successfully passed all European Qualifying Examination (EQE) papers at the first attempt and qualified as a European Patent Attorney before the European Patent Office (EPO).

Membership in International Organisations

-Member of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) since 2018

-Member of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI) – substitute member (2020–2023), full member (2023–2026)

Qualifications

-European Patent Attorney (EQE qualified)

-Bulgarian Patent, Trademark and Design Attorney

-European Trademark and Design Attorney

Education

-Master’s degree in Protection of Information in Computer Systems and Networks, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

-Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

-IT Engineer – CISCO Academy

-EUIPO’s European Trade Mark and Design Education Programme (ETMD)

Languages

- Bulgarian
- English

2015 - Today Chair/Deputy Chair EQE Examination Board
2014 - Today Chair of EQE EC1
2007- Today Head Patents & Licensing Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research Basel

2006-2007 Patent Attorney Novartis Basel
2000-2006 Patent Examiner EPO
1998 PhD in Cellular Biology

Michael Liebetanz
Baar, Switzerland
+41 76 390 13 09
[email protected]

Born 13.09.1960 in Bad Godesberg (Federal Republic of Germany)
Languages: German; French; English

1979 – 1987 Studied Physics in Bonn; Germany, and Toulouse, France, Licence-ès-sciences from University Paul-Sabatier (1983) and Diploma in Physics from Rheinisch-Westfälischer Friedrich- Wilhelms University (1987)

1988 – 1990 Patent Attorney trainee with a patent law firm in Freiburg, Germany

1990 – 1991 Trainee with the German Patent Office, the Federal Patent Court in Munich and the Regional Court (Landgericht) Mannheim.

1991 – 1997 German Patent Attorney in Freiburg, Germany Since 1992 European Patent Attorney

1997 – 2025 Patent attorney with Isler & Pedrazzini AG

1999 – 2015 Team leader of the patent department

2016 – 2020 Managing Partner of Isler & Pedrazzini AG

1998 – 2009 Member of the Examination Committee III for the European Qualifying Exam (eqe of EPO)

2005 – 2011 Substitute member of the epi council for Switzerland

2005 – 2014 Substitute member of the epi Professional Qualification Committee

2008 – 2011 Member of the epi Disciplinary Committee

2011 – 2014 Deputy Secretary General of epi

2011 – 2017 Member of the Board of epi for Switzerland

2011 – Member of the epi council for Switzerland

2014 – 2020 Member of the epi EPO Finances Committee

2016 – Member of the eSACEPO 2017 – Member of the Supervisory Board of the EQE (2017-2018 Subsitute, 2023-2026 Chair)

2020 – 2023 Member of the Digital Support Group (joint epi EPO group working on the eEQE 2021 and the format of the new eEQE)

2022 – Member of the epi By-Laws Committee

Previous President of Irish Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, now resident in Cyprus. Member of PCC.

2012 - qualified as European Patent Attorney
2012 - present: epi Tutor
2012 - 2019: epi Coach in Candidate Support Project
2014 - present: member of Professional Education Committee representing CZ
2020 - present: member of Biotech Committee representing CZ
2020 - present: member of epi Council representing
CZ 2023 - present: epi Vice-President.
I work in a private practice located in Prague and Mlada Boleslav, mainly serving clients from academia and SMEs. My technical background is in chemistry.

I have been an attorney before the EPO since 2002. I work in private practice in Brno. My technical background is mechanical engineering.

I am attorney before EPO since 2002. I have long experience in preparing and filing EP applications. I am partner in Patent and Trademark agency Kania, Sedlak, Smola, s.r.o. seated in Brno.

Veronique Kremer
Senior Director and Associate General Counsel
Legal Patent at The Procter&Gamble Company
Global Braun, Global Design,
Baby, Feminine and Beauty&Hair Care Europe and Asia.


________________________________________
Professional Summary
Dynamic patent attorney with over 30 years of experience in building and leading international, diverse teams of IP professionals. Demonstrated expertise in global and regional European and Asian IP practices, with a clear focus on IP strategy and the commercial relevance of IP rights. Proven track record in IP portfolio management, freedom to operate assessments, and providing business-related IP guidance. Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills complemented by experience in lean management, process optimization, budget management, and law firm management.
________________________________________
Professional Experience
Procter & Gamble (P&G)
Global Patent Leadership Roles
Various across several Locations (Germany, Singapore, Japan)
• Since May 2023: Further expanded role to lead the patent attorney team located in Singapore and Japan, enhancing patent skills and cultural reach beyond Europe.
• Since March 2023: Took on additional leadership for end-to-end patent-related needs for Global Braun and assumed leadership for the P&G Center of Excellence for Global Design across all Business Units.
• Since January 2020: Expanded role to Legal Innovation Lead for Asia Baby Care&Feminine Care Business Unit, driving innovation in legal processes and strategies.
• March 2016 – December 2019: further expanded role to add talent covering Beauty&Hair Care Business Units, thereby managed a team of above 20 IP professionals, including 8 European patent attorneys.
• January 2006 – March 2016: Expanded responsibilities to assume Patent Legal Innovation lead for EMEA Baby Care, Feminine Care, and Family Care Business Units, overseeing a team of 7 European patent attorneys and 4 legal professionals, including cross-border reporting in Europe (Italy and Geneva).
• July 2003 – December 2005: Appointed EMEA Patent Leader for Feminine Care Business Unit, managing a team of 3 patent attorneys and 2 legal professionals, with remote reporting responsibilities.
• Summer 1998: Transferred from Belgium to Germany, Schwalbach am Taunus, to take ownership of EMEA patent responsibilities for Beverage/Coffee portfolio and gradually assumed additional responsibilities for Feminine Care product lines as Senior Patent Attorney.
• September 1992 – June 1998: Joined P&G in Brussels as a patent attorney responsible for EMEA patent matters in Home Care and Pharmaceutical IP docket management.
________________________________________
Education

European Patent Attorney (EQE) in 1997.
CEIPI (French IP School) in 1992.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) in 1991.
DESS in Pharmaceutical Industry
________________________________________
Professional Affiliations
• Elected as full member for German EPI council since 2017.
• Members of VCI patent section, VPP…
________________________________________
Skills
• IP Strategy Development
• Patent Portfolio Management
• Enforcement and Licensing
• Intercultural Communication
• Team Leadership and Development
• Lean Management and Process Improvement
• Budget Management
________________________________________
Languages
• French, English, German
________________________________________

Dr. rer. nat. Eberhard Tüngler
European Patent Attorney
epi substitute member seit 2020

-1994 Promotion in Theoretischer Festkörperphysik
- 1997 Höfler Maschinenbau (F&E Zahnradschleifmaschinen)
Seit 1997 Patentabteilung SEW-EURODRIVE (Getriebe, Elektromotoren, Wechselrichter/Umrichter-Elektronik, Industrie 4.0)

Meine Interessen + Meinungen:

Stärkung der European Patent Attorneys und des Rechtswegs:

- EQE: Erhaltung des früheren Qualitätsstandards (Master statt Bachelor)

- Stärkung der „European Patent Attorneys“ gegenüber „nationalen Rechtsanwälten ohne technisch-fachliche Kenntnisse“, insbesondere da die Sachverhalte heutzutage zunehmend technisch anspruchsvoller sind.

- Reformierung der Verfahrensordnung der Beschwerdekammern (Erschwerung von Verspätungseinwendungen und von Rückzügen auf „Formaljuristische“ Hindernisse)

- Absenkung der Zugangs-Hürden für Verfahren vor der Großen Beschwerdekammer

Dipl.-Chem. Dipl.-Biol. Dr.rer.nat. Heike Vogelsang-Wenke

Patentanwältin seit: 1992
in Kanzlei: Grünecker Patent- und Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB
Kanzleiort: München

Beruflicher Werdegang:
Studium der Chemie (Diplom) an der Universität Würzburg
Studium der Biologie (Diplom) an der Universität Würzburg
Promotion an der LMU München (Prof. Winnacker)
Durchführung der experimentellen Arbeiten am Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie (Prof. Oesterhelt)
Ausbildung zur Patentanwältin in der Kanzlei Grünecker Kinkeldey Stockmair & Schwanhäusser
1992 Zulassung zur Patentanwaltschaft
1992 Zulassung als European Patent Attorney
Bis Ende 2023 Partnerin bei GrüneckerG mbB
Seit Anfang 2024 Of Counsel bei Grünecker PartG mbB

Bisherige berufspolitische Tätigkeit:
2001 Gründungs-Mitglied des PAK-Ausschusses für Biotechnologie
2001 - 2012 Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für Biotechnologie
seit Januar 2004 Mitglied des Vorstands der Patentanwaltskammer Tätigkeit in den Abteilungen I, III und V des Vorstands, derzeit Vorsitzende der Abteilung I
seit 2011 Mitglied im epi Rat; über die Jahre aktive Mitarbeit in verschiedenen Gremien; derzeit Associate member in EPPC und Harmonization Committee, Mitglied im Disciplinary Board sowie Chair MSBA
2017-2023 Vizepräsidentin des epi

Motivation

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, seit ich 2011 als deutsches Mitglied in den Rat des „European Patent Institute“ (epi) gewählt wurde, habe ich mich als Bindeglied zwischen epi und der Patentanwaltskammer (PAK) verstanden und einerseits die Interessen der deutschen Patentanwaltschaft im epi-Rat vertreten, andererseits dem Vorstand der PAK und der Kammerversammlung über die Entwicklungen in epi und EPA berichtet. Das gilt natürlich insbesondere für die 6 Jahre Tätigkeit als epi-Vize-Präsidentin, die satzungsgemäß im Mai 2023 endeten. Während dieser Zeit konnte ich tiefe Einblicke in die Strukturen von epi gewinnen, aber auch vielfältige Kontakte zum EPA knüpfen.

Gerne möchte ich auch in Zukunft zwischen epi und PAK vermitteln und die Interessen der deutschen Patentanwaltschaft bei epi vertreten, und gleichzeitig den „europäischen Blick“ in die Patentanwaltskammer tragen.

Daher bitte ich um Ihre Stimme!

• Seit 2019 in der Patentabteilung der SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co KG, Bruchsal;
• Dipl.-Ing. Elektrotechnik seit 1995;
• European Patent Attorney seit 2008;
• Deutscher Patentassessor seit 2013;
• UPC Representative seit 2024;
• Substitute Member im EPO Finances Committee;
• Associate Member im Online Communications Committee

Lu Zhang is a European Patent Attorney with extensive experience in intellectual property law, patent prosecution, and strategic IP portfolio management across industry and private practice. She has a proven track record of representing clients before the European Patent Office and national offices, with particular expertise in patent drafting, examination, opposition, and appeal proceedings.

Her professional career spans leading roles in both multinational corporations and top-tier international law firms, enabling her to bridge legal, technical, and strategic perspectives. She combines technical excellence with a strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and collaboration in the patent system.

Lu Zhang is actively engaged in professional committees and international IP initiatives, promoting dialogue between practitioners and patent offices. She is committed to advancing the European patent profession and ensuring high professional standards.

I work in private practice in Copenhagen. I am presently a substitute Council member for Denmark, a member of the Mechanics group of EPPC, and a member of SACEPO WP/Q. My main interests lie within quality and processes.

I have a background in medical biotechnology and have been active as an IPR professional since late 1992, becoming an epi member in 1997. My career has been in both private and corporate practice, where I primarily have advised clients/employers in the biotech industry with a special focus on immunology and vaccine technology. I have represented Denmark in the epi Council for several election periods (since 2011) and currently act as the liaison member of the Danish delegation. My major historical impact on the Danish epi representation is that I argued in favor of and later initiated the process that turned Denmark into a unitary constituency in 2019.
I am a strong proponent of an open dialogue between Council members and our electors as well as in transparency in the work of epi in general and Council in particular.

European Patent Attorney with organic chemistry as technical background. I mainly work with oppositions and appeals at the EPO and litigation support in national proceedings, and enjoy tutoring candidates for the EQE.

Urmas KAULER
Managing Partner
Patendibüroo TURVAJA OÜ
Liivalaia 22, Tallinn 10118, Estonia
Phone: +372 640 3109
Mobile: +372 507 8725
E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Urmas Kauler is an Estonian and European Patent Attorney, as well as an Estonian and European Trademark and Design Attorney.

He has been with Patent Agency TURVAJA since 1996 and currently serves as the firm's Managing Partner.

Urmas began his career in intellectual property in 1993 after graduating. Before joining TURVAJA, he served as Head of the Trademark Department at the Estonian Patent Office.

He is the President of the Estonian National Group of AIPPI (since 2009), a Board Member of the Chamber of Estonian Patent Attorneys (since 2019) and a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the epi (since 2023).

Mr. Kauler has extensive experience across all areas of intellectual property, including patents, utility models, trademarks, industrial designs and covering the full spectrum from filing to litigation.

Summary of qualifications
2017 Diploma on Patent Litigation in Europe (CEIPI)
2010 European Patent Attorney
2002 Registered Patent Attorney (Finland)
1998 M.Sc. (Chemical Eng.)

Areas of expertise
Different areas of chemistry, especially related to biofuels, diagnostics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and polymer chemistry

Professional experience
1998 - Boco IP Oy Ab (prev. BORENIUS & Co Oy Ab) Helsinki, Finland
Member of the Board 2001-, Partner 2005-, Chairman of the Board 2020-
2020 - External Expert Member (IPR matters), Market Court of Finland

Additional professional activities
2017 - epi Council, full member
2017 - epi Professional Conduct Committee, full member
2021 - 2025 epi Working Group for Diversity and Inclusion
2011 – 2017 epi Professional Conduct Committee, substitute member
2010 - 2013 Chairman of the Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys
2002 – 2004 Chairman of the Chemist group of the Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys

Since 2024 PEC Substitute Member
Since 2023 epi Council Member
2017-2020 epi Council Substitute Member

Since 2023 Senior Corporate Patent Attorney at Neste
2018-2023 Corporate Patent Attorney at Borealis
2010-2018 Finnish/European Patent Attorney at Kolster
Since 2014 European Patent Attorney
Since 2012 Finnish Patent Attorney

Degrees
EQE passed 2014
DSc (Tech), Organic Chemistry, 2007
MSc (Tech), Chemical Engineering, 2003

CURRICULUM VITAE

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Pierre Henri GENDRAUD
27, rue de l’Amiral Hamelin
75116 - Paris
France

Fixed Phone: + 33 1 47 27 14 85
Mobile Phone: + 33 6 46 48 29 44

Date of Birth: March 19, 1950
Nationality: French


EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Engineer, École Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, 1974 ;
CEIPI, Law Faculty, Strasbourg, 1978;
Qualified in Patents at the National Institute of Industrial Property, 1980;
Master’s Degree, Law Faculty, Paris, 1982;
Master II Degree, Intellectual Property, Law Faculty, Strasbourg, 2015.


PRESENT POSITIONS

Expert at the Court of Appeal of Paris and at the Supreme Court, France;
Expert at the Administrative Court of Appeal of Paris and Versailles, France;
Professional Representative before the European Patent Office;
Member of the Disciplinary Board of Appeal before the European Patent Office;
Lecturer in CEIPI (University of Law in Strasbourg), FNDE and IEEPI.


MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

French Association of Industrial Property Specialists in Industry (ASPI, Former President);
Licensing Executives Society, France (LES, member));
European Patent Institute (Delegate substitute to the Council);
French Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AFPPI, Former President);
International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI, Former General Secretary).

Alexandre Lebkiri is currently elected to the EPI council and wishes to continue his mission to represent French European patent attorneys. Alexandre is also member of the EPI European Patent Practice Committee (Technological Group “Information and Communication Technologies”)

He began his career in the components industry as head of automotive applications development at a major American company. In 1999, he entered the world of intellectual property and joined the French patent office INPI, where he dealt specifically with issues related to computer implemented invention. He then joined a patent attorney firm, where he was responsible for the patent portfolios of various applicants. He then held the position of intellectual property manager in the R&D department of AREVA NP.

Alexandre founded the IP attorney firm Camus Lebkiri, which he has managed since 2007 and which now has a staff of around thirty people.

Alexandre was also an associate professor at Paris 13 University (Master II in Innovation and Intellectual Property Management) and regularly gives lectures on intellectual property law (EPI, INPI, Centre Paul Roubier, etc.).

He has also served as Vice President of the CNCPI (French Patent & Trademark Attorneys Institute) and is a member of the board of the LES (Licensing Executive Society).

After 4 terms as a full Council member the time has come to serve the French constituency in a different way, i.e. as a substitute.
I have been involved these past 11+ years in various Committees (DC, Editorial, By-Laws, SAC) or Working Group (D&I) and am therefore knowledgeable about the work of our Institute.

I have been the Head of the IP department of the French group Pierre Fabre from 2006 to 2021. Before, I occupied various patent functions in the leading life science company in France, Sanofi Group (and its predecessors Roussel-UCLAF, Hoechst Marion Roussel and Aventis).
Since 2023 I am an independant consultant on innovation and IP and work for several legal or innovation consulting bodies.
As regards the Pharma sector, I have been President of the Patent Group within the LEEM (Pharmaceutical Industry Association) for more than 10 years and has been a member of the IPEG group of EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations) and IP group of G5 Santé . I have also been involved in mixed private and public commissions (CSIS/CSF)

I am also involved in related IP activities as board member of ASPI, Investment Committee of SATT Aquitaine and lecturer at the law universities of Toulouse, Aix, and Montpellier and at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Montpellier.

I am also involved in some activities with the CEIPI : Co-organizer of the advanced training program on Regulatory Affairs and Intellectual Property Protection in the Pharmaceutical Industry and has been consultant for Compulsory licence in EU

Therefore It would be an honor for me to be renewed in the position of EPI council ( or even deputy) with the goal to contribute to the evolution of the EPO so that patentees can benefit of a strong and safe patent system in the EU.

I have a background of chemistry and have been tutor for Ceipi since 2009. I have been member of council for FR since 2023 and have been involved in the group dedicated to education. I would like to reapply for the following reasons:
- working as full council member requires more than 1 period to get accustomed to the activities of the council
- with the French team in place, we have been involved in many aspects of the life of EPI and I would like to continue to dedicate time to the patent attorneys
- being a tutor in Ceipi, i am also keen on working on educational matters notably on the new EQE format.

Brigitte Carion-Taravella is a qualified and experienced European and French Patent Attorney with a comprehensive educational background. She earned an engineering diploma in Bio-industry and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Technology (UTC) in Compiègne, France, as well as a Master's degree in Law, specializing in Intellectual Property Law and Management, from the University of Strasbourg (CEIPI).

With over 25 years of expertise in patent prosecution and intellectual property rights management, Brigitte also brings 9 years of experience in research and development. She currently holds a leadership position at Sanofi, where she leads the French and Belgian patent team for Biologics support and oversees patent policy matters across Europe. In addition, Brigitte represents Sanofi at the EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries) IP expert group and at INTERPAT (The Biopharmaceutical Intellectual Property Think Tank). Prior to joining Sanofi, she managed patent activities related to skincare products at Chanel Parfums Beauté from 2005 to 2010. Her career began as an R&D engineer focused on pharmaceutical development at Besins Healthcare, where she rapidly progressed to the position of global head of patents.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brigitte is actively involved in several IP professional organizations. She has been a full member of the epi council and the epi's Biotech committee, representing French industry since 2017. Since 2023, she has served first as secretary and subsequently as vice president of the Biotech committee of the epi. She also serves as vice-president and secretary of the French board of AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) and previously served as President of ASPI (Association française des spécialistes en propriété industrielle de l'industrie) from 2013 to 2017. Notably, Brigitte has been a member in her personal capacity of the EPO's SACEPO (Standing Advisory Committee before the European Patent Office) for Guidelines and Quality since 2017.

I joined the profession in 1980, qualifying UK 1984 and EPO 1985. My entire career has been in private practice [although with a period acting as out-house IP counsel to a multi-national]. I am a fervent European and agree with Michael Bloomberg that Brexit was the 'stupidest thing any country has ever done'. Although Brexit (or perhaps one man’s approach to Brexit) means we, as a country, are not members of the UPC, our European credentials do at least mean we can act there.

In my past I have been a tutor of UK candidates for UK and European examinations; an examiner for a UK trademark examination; member of the Professional Conduct Committee of epi; vice-chair of Committee III of the EQE; member of a Disciplinary Board of the EPO; and former member of Council and Honorary Secretary of CIPA.

I am now a member of epi Council and chair the EPO Finances committee and the “Chemistry” sub-committee of the European Patent Practice Committee. I also work on epi’s EPO Guidelines working group.

I have been called opinionated and awkward (and that’s by friends) but I try to encourage progress rather than sit in the past.

To allow me to continue:-
• serving the interests of UK epi members in promoting and supporting the position of UK members as an integral part of the European IP scene: and
• promoting the interests of all epi members in a thriving European patent landscape;
please vote for me.

Addition creates more than division.

Professional history:
2008: Entered profession as a trainee at Phillips & Leigh after completing doctorate in Physical & Theoretical Chemistry at Oxford.
2013-2014: Qualified as UK attorney (2013) and European representative (2014).
2015: Passed CIPA Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate (thereby qualifying to practice before UPC).
2015-2019: Visiting Lecturer at Brunel University for IP management course.
2017-Present: Marking Examiner for Patent Examination Board relating to FD4 (infringement and validity) advanced paper.
Present workplace: Greenwoods Legal Services Limited (www.greenwoods.co.uk).

I have spent my professional life in private practice, coming from a chemistry background but also including a healthy proportion of computer-implemented inventions (including machine learning/AI) in my present caseload.

I believe my track record outlined above shows that as well as having been a qualified member of the profession for over a decade, I am also keen to contribute to the education and development of new professionals and to communicate ideas about IP to those who are not yet in the profession. Having done this within the UK profession for a decade, I believe seeking to serve as a substitute member on Council is the next logical step in giving back to the profession.

Vitae (selection):
2009-2012: BSc in Physics and Mathematics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
2012-2015: MSc in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, LMU & TUM, Munich, Germany
2015-2019: Patent Attorney Trainee at Stellbrink & Partner, Munich
2019: European Patent Attorney qualification
2020-2024: In-house Patent Counsel roles at IBM and Porsche, Stuttgart, Germany
2025-present: Patent Attorney at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (Public sector R&D), Culham, UK

My dedication to the profession is demonstrated through my long-standing and diverse involvement with the epi:
- epi delegate for the SACEPO Working Party on Quality
- epi Tutor (formerly also CSP Coach)
- Member of the Professional Education Committee
- Member of the Student Admissions Committee
- Member of the IP Awareness Working Group
- Member of the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group (currently being converted to a committee)
- Chair of the epi Students Mentorship Working Group

Personal Statement:
I am an experienced patent attorney with an academic background in physics & mathematics and extensive experience with software and robotics inventions.
My career has spanned a wide spectrum of the IP landscape: I trained in private practice in Munich, drove commercial IP strategy in-house at IBM and Porsche in Stuttgart, and have now moved into the public sector at the UK Atomic Energy Authority—a research organisation leading the delivery of sustainable fusion energy.
Beyond my day job, I am deeply committed to the future of the IP profession. I am part of the team working on Visser's Annotated European Patent Convention. I actively contribute as an epi Tutor and committee member, focusing on education and IP awareness, advocating for a more inclusive environment via the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, and championing professional development through the pilot epi Students Mentorship Programme: https://patentepi.org/en/epi-students/epi-students-mentorship-programme/.
Electing a representative who is both new to the UK and deeply experienced within the epi’s governance is an opportunity. My extensive internal experience ensures I can be immediately effective, understanding the epi's mechanisms and key issues from day one and offering the UK membership a unique and powerful blend of deep institutional knowledge and a fresh perspective.
Should I be elected, I promise to represent the UK’s interests within epi and to promote epi within the UK IP community. I ask for your vote to bring both newcomer energy and epi expertise to the UK delegation.

I hope that European Patent Attorneys across the UK will take interest in these candidate statements and in the work that epi does on their behalf. Whoever you may vote for, an increased participation by UK constituency voters is critical to ensuring that all sectors of our profession are well represented, and that our voice carries weight.

I am an experienced UK & European patent attorney based in Scotland. Originally working in the electronics & physics field, I have always handled a wide range of mechanical and electronic/digital subject matter. I trained in-house in London, before moving to private practice in 1993. In 1997 I moved to Scotland, where I have been based ever since. I have worked in small and large firms. In 2014 I formed my own consultancy and support other firms providing high-added value patent services to their clients. Today my clients include a UK-based multinational innovating in broadband delivery, as well as my consulting role for other firms.

I have been active in epi Council continuously since 2008, and have good relations with the other country delegations and epi office bearers and staff, as well as EPO management. Though currently a substitute member of Council, I participate actively in Council and Board meetings as Chair of epi’s Online Communications Committee (OCC) OCC collaborates with the EPO and others to develop and improve all the online services that we rely on in our daily work. I am also appointed by the EPO President as an ‘ad personam’ member of the main SACEPO and of the SACEPO Working Party on the Electronic Patent Process, representing.

With proposals to rotate committee chairs after three terms, I am keen to be elected a full member of Council, so that I may still contribute fully. Council can seem an unwieldy decision-making body at times, but with vigilance, goodwill and innovation, it can play its full role as the key deciding body of epi.

Since 2011 I have also been a member within epi's Disciplinary Committee, being active as a chamber chair and in working groups to update the rules of procedure and internal processes. The constitution of the disciplinary bodies is a live topic in Council, and the voices of current and former members are valued.

I believe that principles of diversity and inclusion have been central to the strength and success of the European patent profession, and I am proud to been a founding member of epi’s Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. This ad hoc group is now to be replaced by permanent DEI committee. The number of UK voices in the new committee will be limited by rules, which makes it especially important to have diversity champions also elected to Council.

Chartered Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Patent Attorney Litigator, Trade Mark Attorney Litigator, BSc in Colour & Polymer Chemistry and PhD in Colour & Polymer Chemistry.

I began my career in the UK at the St Albans office of Marks & Clerk in 2005. Soon after I had joined the firm there was a management buyout of the office, and I was then working for Scott & York. More recently the firm has changed again following the merger of Scott & York with Cleveland in 2017 to become Cleveland Scott York. Shortly after the merger in 2019 I was made a Partner. The work I manage is very varied, including both large and SME clients, a mixture of technologies, and a mixture of Intellectual Property Rights of both a contentious and non-contentious nature.

Within the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) I am currently serving on the Design & Copyright Committee and the Chair of the Trade Marks Committee. I also represent the CIPA Trade Marks Committee at the Marks & Designs Forum quarterly meetings at the UKIPO.

I am one of CIPA’s delegates to The Association of National Institutes of Intellectual Property Attorneys (ANIPA), the umbrella organisation for European national or regional IP Institutes. My work with ANIPA focusses on the relationship with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), where I represent ANIPA at the User Group Meetings which are held twice a year.

More recently I was proud to serve CIPA as Vice-President in 2020, President in 2021 and Immediate Past President in 2022. In January 2026, I will be taking up the role of Chair of the Internal Governance Committee.

I was elected to the epi Council in 2023 and it's been a fantastic 3 years so far getting to know the ropes and getting more involved in epi, such as joining the Bye-Laws Committee as a Substitute Member.

With the experience I have gained within epi, CIPA, nationally and internationally, and through my work with other associations such as FICPI-UK, where I serve as Treasurer on Council, I feel that I still have much to be able to bring to epi. I would be honoured if you would enable to allow me to continue to serve the UK profession in this important role.

I began my working life in industry and then transferred to private practice and spent most of my working life as a partner at Carpmaels & Ransford. On retirement from the partnership, I set up my own consultancy company. At all times, I have been heavily involved in dealing with applications, oppositions and appeals at the EPO.
I have been one of the UK's full members of epi's Council for some time, during which time I have been a Vice-President and then President of epi. I have been a member of a number of epi's Committees. At present, I am Chair of epi's European Patent Practice Committee and Student Admissions Committee and a member of the Bye-Laws Committee. I am a member of SACEPO and some of its Working Groups, including the Working Party on Rules.
At present, epi, in cooperation with the EPO, is in the process of updating epi's disciplinary procedures and the EQE system. I am an active member of epi Working Groups on both of these topics and would like to ensure that these works are completed effectively.
I would like to be able to further serve the interests of UK epi members in ensuring that, especially on the EQE and disciplinary procedures, any changes reflect the requirements of the UK profession. I would also like to continue to act as a link between epi and CIPA. I would therefore ask you to re-elect me as a member of epi's Council.

C.V.

University of Bristol, Honours Degree in Chemistry (with Biochemistry) - 1983-1986
CIPA Vice President in 2025 (will be CIPA President in 2026)
UK member of epi Council since 2005
epi Biotech Committee Chair: 2023 – to date (Secretary from 2006)
epi Disciplinary Committee: 2003 – 2011
epi Professional Conduct Committee: 2011 – 2015
epi Member of SACEPO: 2011 – 2017
epi By Laws member: 2017 to date
epi Patents Committee (working group): since 2021

I specialise in Life Sciences and have a wide range of experience in various professional bodies, in CIPA as well as the epi, at the top level. I have similar roles to those at CIPA in the epi. I Chair the epi biotech committee and thus attend epi Board meetings. The epi is an important ally for CIPA -a lot of our work is before the EPO and I want to strengthen ties with the epi, increase co-operation and communication between the two bodies and ensure that the epi functions well and in our interests.

Education is critical, in particular with the big changes to the EQE. The epi should continue to assist, train and educate candidates, so that we maintain the enviable high level of success EPAs and CPAs have across the world.

The UPC system has got off to a good start and presents UK attorneys with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become expert court representatives, especially as the system has strong EPO similarities. We should embrace the UPC, use it to develop our businesses and skills, and deploy those for the benefit of our clients and employers.

I will work to obtain greater influence with at the EPO. I want the epi to become more persuasive and important, to the benefit of both EPAs and applicants alike. We should continue to encourage the EPO to consult with and listen to epi, to act on our advice and to engage in constructive consultation with us, in particular on future practice and legislative changes that can considerably affect our business.

The epi disciplinary system is undergoing an overhaul and I am well placed to ensure that the new system benefits us all.

Thank you for considering my candidacy and for re-electing me as one of your epi Council members.

Tomislav Hadzija

PERSONAL

Born: May 21, 1977

Residence: Zagreb, Croatia

E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]

EDUCATION

Attorney at Law
European Patent Attorney
European Trademark and Design Attorney
Certified Patent Attorney with SIPO of Croatia
Certified Trademark Attorney with SIPO of Croatia

- Graduated at the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, LL.B.
- Master of Intellectual Property Law and Management (CEIPI), LL.M.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Member of the Croatian Bar Association since 2008

2013 – Present Attorney at Law in cooperation with Dennemeyer & Associates
Global Head of Trademark Practice at Dennemeyer & Associates
Areas of practice: Trademark Law, Patent Law, Copyright, Industrial design
Intellectual Property (I.P.) drafting, filings, prosecution, and litigation
IP Management Counsel for R&D Institutes
IP due diligence
Parallel imports
Corporate and Commercial Law


2010 – 2013 Attorney at Law at KORPER & Partneri LLP
Areas of practice: Trademark Law, Patent Law, Copyright,
Intellectual Property (I.P.) drafting, filings, prosecution, and litigation
I.P. Management Counsel for R&D Institutes
I.P. due diligence
Antitrust
Parallel imports
Corporate and Commercial Law
Contract Law
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law
Civil Litigation


2007-2009 Attorney at Law at Sikiric & Hadzija Attorney Partnership
Areas of practice: Trademark Law, Patent Law, Copyright, Corporate and Commercial Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, Contract Law,
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law, Civil Litigation

2006-2007 Associate at Dr Sikiric Law Offices
Areas of practice: Trademark Law, Patent Law, Copyright, Corporate and Commercial Law, Contract Law, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law, Civil Litigation


2005-2006 Legal Trainee at Hanzekovic & Partneri Law Offices
Areas of practice: Practicing general civil matters, Legal training in civil corporate and commercial law, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law, Civil Litigation


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

• EPI Council member – HR national representative for the 2023-2026 term
• EPI EPPC member - HR national representative for the 2023-2026 term
• President of Croatian Chamber of Patent and Trademark Attorneys for the 2023-2026 term
• INTA member
• INTA “Law Firm Committee” for the 2024-2026 term
• PTMG Member
• AIPPI member 2025
• Member of Croatian Bar Association
• Vis Moot Alumni Zagreb

PROFESSIONAL RECOGITIONS
• WTR 1000 – 2017 – 2025
• WTR Global Leader 2025
• The World's Leading Trademark Professionals 2017 - 2025
• Chambers Europe; Croatia - leading individual 2014 - 2025


LANGUAGES

Fluent in Croatian and English


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Tomislav is managing Dennemeyer & Associates operations in West Balkan countries. In his role as head of the Croatian office, a 15+ person team, Tomislav handles various trademark and patent prosecution matters for foreign and domestic clients before the Croatia IP office and various regional IP matters.

Tomislav Hadzija has been active in the field of IP since 2005.

Sanja Vukina is an Attorney at Law and European Patent and Trademark Attorney with over 30 years of experience in intellectual property (IP) law. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Vukina & Partners, a boutique law firm based in Zagreb, Croatia, renowned for providing high-quality services in all areas of IP protection.
For the past four years, Sanja has served as President of AIPPI Croatia and as Secretary of the Croatian Chamber of Patent and Trademark Attorneys, as well as an EPI Council Member and member of the EPI Litigation Committee. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in IP matters across a wide range of industries, with particular strength in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Her practice focuses on litigation, patent prosecution, invalidation, and IP counseling, with a strong emphasis on chemistry and life sciences. In addition to patents, Sanja provides comprehensive legal services in trademark and industrial design protection, and she has significant experience in data protection and regulatory compliance.
Sanja was honored with the Client Choice Award in 2017 for her outstanding ability to deliver real value to clients’ businesses, and in 2025, IP STARS recognized her among the Top 250 Women in IP globally.
As a long-standing advocate for professional excellence and collaboration within the IP community, Sanja is deeply committed to advancing the quality and accessibility of IP services in Croatia and across Europe. Through her engagement with professional bodies and her extensive practical experience, she aims to contribute to the EPI Council’s mission by promoting high ethical and professional standards, supporting knowledge exchange among practitioners, strengthening the role of European patent attorneys in an evolving innovation landscape, and representing the interests of Croatian EPI members within the Council.

EDUCATION:
M.S. biotechnology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
European patent attorney Hungarian patent attorney
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Danubia Patent & Law Office, since 2001
Experienced in patent drafting, prosecution, oppositions and appeals, as well as litigation in the fields of biochemistry, medical diagnostics and biotechnology, particularly with regard to DNA manipulation and the development of DNA-based diagnostic devices. Currently in charge of every aspects of Supplementary Protection Certificates, including prosecuting rights before the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office and representation before Hungarian and European courts.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
epi council

I am a Hungarian and European Patent Attorney, member of the Board from 2020 as Deputy Treasurer and from 2023 as Treasurer

Conor is a Patent Attorney with more than 30 years’ experience.

His university education was in the field of electronic engineering and in a career primarily in private practice his work focused on the preparation and prosecution of electronics and software related cases both for local and larger multinational clients.

Conor also worked as an in-house senior patent attorney with IBM in the UK for a number of years where, as well as directly supporting product groups, he was involved in IP related contract support and licensing matters. Conor is also the inventor for IBM Patent No. US6459986.

Conor is a member of the Irish Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys (APTMA); and a council member of the European Patent Institute (EPI).

On behalf of EPI, he has contributed to a number of updates to the EPO Guidelines for Examination as well as being a member of the ICT Thematic Group responsible for liaising with Directors of the EPO ICT Cluster and contributing to EPI Amicus Curiae briefs for EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal decisions in the ICT Space and finally contributed to the EPO quality assurance program (SQAP).

European Patent Institute (epi) substitute Council Member
European Patent Institute (epi) Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) Member
European Patent Institute (epi) European Patent Practice Committee (EPPC; Pharmaceuticals) Member

European Patent Attorney
European Trade Mark and Design Attorney
Registered Irish Patent Agent
Registered Irish Trade Mark Agent
Ph.D. (Molecular Oncology)
B.Sc. (Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics)
Pg.D. (Commercial Intellectual Property)
Pg.C. (Intellectual Property Litigation & Advocacy)
Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) Member
Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys (Ireland) Member

Donal represents academic institutes, start-up enterprises and emerging corporations from the healthcare, nutrition and medical device sectors in examination, opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, the EUIPO, the Irish Patents Office and the UKIPO.

As the only IP practitioner in Ireland to be certified in IP litigation and advocacy by the Nottingham Law School, Donal is uniquely competent to represent directly before the European Unified Patent Court (UPC). He is also a proficient advocate at oral proceedings, and familiar counsel before the Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal of the EPO.

Donal completed an undergraduate degree in cell biology and molecular genetics at University College Dublin and was conferred with a PhD in molecular oncology from the Queen’s University of Belfast.

Donal is recognised as one of the leading IP practitioners in the world by the World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), noted as an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property (IPSTARS), and acknowledged as world-class, private practice patent expertise by the IAM Patent 1000.

Prominent educational and professional bodies, including universities and the Law Society of Ireland, regularly curate Donal to speak on the subject of IP. He provides free-to-access mentoring to rising entrepreneurial ventures in accelerator and incubator hubs through Google for Entrepreneurs and has been a guest contributor to the peer-revered IPKat blog. Donal also authored the Practical Guide to Managing Intellectual Property & Confidentiality for Knowledge Transfer Ireland, the national body established to oversee the technology transfer system in Ireland.

I am a European Patent Attorney, a Chartered Patent Attorney and an Irish Patent Agent. I am also a European Trade Mark and Design Attorney and an Irish Trade Mark Agent. I am currently a member of the Council of epi, the EPPC and the Guidelines sub-committee.
I believe the epi is the primary representative body for the patent profession in Europe and contributes greatly to the development and education of the profession as well as to improvements in European patent law and practice.
I would greatly welcome the opportunity to represent Ireland in the next Council .

European Patent Institute (EPI) Council Member
EPI Member of the Professional Education Committee
Chair of the Patent Laws Committee, Irish Association of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys (APTMA),
European Patent Attorney
European Trade Mark and Design Attorney
Registered Irish Patent Attorney
Registered Irish Trade Mark Agent
Chartered Patent Attorney
BE (Electronics), MEngSc.

Sinéad advises clients on all aspects of patent law, including drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications, as well as portfolio management and strategic intellectual property protection.
Sinead has extensive experience representing clients in examination, opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO. Her technical expertise spans a diverse range of technologies in including communication systems, medical devices, construction materials, and software based innovations.

In addition to her client work, Sinéad serves as a Council Member of EPI, as a member of the EPI Professional Education Committee and as Chair of the Patent Laws Committee of APTMA.

Professional titles:
- Engineer
- European Patent attorney
- European Trademark & Design Attorney
- European Patent Litigator
- Italian Patent attorney
- Italian Trademark & Design attorney

Memberships:
- board member of Italian Industrial IP Association (AICIPI)
- European Patent Attorneys Council member 2023-2026 (EPI)

EDUCATION:
- Master in intellectual property management at Bologna Business School (University of Bologna)
- Industrial Engineer at University of Bologna
- Ingénierie des Affaires at EPF Paris (France)


WORK EXPERIENCES:
2017-today
Executive Intellectual Property Manager
Piaggio Group (European leader in motorcycle sector with Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, etc.)

2012-2017
Senior Patent Attorney
General Electric (world leader in advanced technology equipment and service)

2009-2012
Intellectual Property Expert
ENI (21st largest oil company in the world)

2007-2008
HR manager
Versalis (ENI’s chemical company)

2004-2006
Senior Organization Analyst
Versalis (ENI’s chemical company)

2003-2004
Organization and IT Expert
Snap-On Group (technological leader in automotive air-conditioning diagnosis)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tim-bast/

Mechanical engineer, 22 years of experience as patent attorney, international experience, litigation, client management, staff management.

Paolo Rambelli is a European Patent Attorney practicing in Italy with the firm Jacobacci & Partners, in the chemical and pharmaceutical field; although formally retired, he is still professionally active and member of the Board of Directors of the firm.
Paolo has extensive experience in IP litigation and has acted as ex parte and ex officio technical Counsel before the Court of Torino and Milano in several national and multinational patent litigations
Paolo has lectured extensively on IP matters with a particular focus on Opposition, Appeal and Oral Proceedings before the EPO, as a tutor for CEIPI, epi and the European Patent Academy.
He is a contract professor with the University of Torino, Faculty of Biotechnology, currently teaching the graduate course “Management of Biotechnological Companies”, which focuses on Intellectual Property matters.
Since 2011 (and currently) Paolo has been a full Council member for Italy and has served as Chair of the epi Professional Education Committee in the period 2011- 2020; he is currently a member of the CPE sub Committee.

Mag. iur. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. oec.

2004 EQE
2005 Liechtensteinische Patentanwaltsprüfung
2008 Deutsche Patentanwaltsprüfung

2020-2026: Full member of the epi Council for LI
2014-2020: Substitute member of the epi Council for LI
2013: EQE
Dipl.-Ing. (TU München)
Dipl. NDS ETH Intellectual Property

Dipl.-Ing. TU-Vienna
EQE 2013

2019 - qualified as European Patent Attorney
2020 - present: member of Biotech Committee representing LT
2023 - present: substitute member of epi Council representing LT
2023 - present: substitute member of Professional Education Committee representing LT
I am also a Lithuanian Patent Attorney. My technical background is biochemistry. Up to 2023 I have worked in-house, as IP Manager and Patent Attorney. I now work in private practice, mainly with chemistry and biotech patents.

Sigmar LAMPE
Legal Advisor IP and Licensing
Partnership, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office
University of Luxembourg

Experience:
• Legal Advisor IP and Licensing at Université du Luxembourg, Esch/Alzette (LU), 2011 – Present
• European Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk LLP, Luxembourg, 2005 – 2011
• European Patent Attorney at Dennemeyer & Associates s.a., Howald (LU), 2001 – 2005
• Patent Examiner at European Patent Office, The Hague (NL), 1997 – 2001
• Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (DE) 1994 – 1997

Professional qualifications
• European Patent Attorney (2003)
• Benelux Trademark Attorney
• European Trademark Attorney
• Conseil en Propriété Intellectuelle (Luxembourg)

Organizations
• European Patent Institute (epi) member since 2003
– Council delegate for Luxembourg 2004-2008, substitute delegate since 2008
– Board member for Luxembourg 2004-2008
– European Patent Practice Committee 2004 to 2014
– – Vice-chair 2009-2011, 2011-2014
– – Secretary 2009-2011
– SACEPO 2011-2014
– SACEPO Working Party on Rules (WPR) 2009-2011, 2011-2014
– Professional Conduct Committee 2009-2011
• ASTP (Association of European Knowledge Transfer Professionals) Member since 2014, Vice-President Professional Development since May 2025
• Licensing Executives Society (LES) Member since 2002

Education:
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (DE) Dipl.-Ing., Electrical Engineering (semiconductors) 1994

Languages:
English, German, French, Luxembourgish, Spanish, Dutch

Education
09/88 – 06/93: Master in mechanical and electrical engineering of the University of Liège in Belgium;
09/93 – 09/94: Complementary education in automotive technology at the University (R.W.T.H.) of Aachen in Germany (Erasmus exchange);
2004: European Qualification Examination;
2007: Luxembourg Patent Attorney (“Conseil en Propriété Industrielle”);
2007: European Trademark and Design Attorney;
2009: Belgian Patent Attorney (“Mandataire agréé auprès de l’Office belge de la Propriété Intellectuelle”);
2016: European Patent Litigation Certificate at the University of Strasbourg;
2019: Qualified Patent Information Professional.

Experience
04/95-07/98: Member of the Engineering Division of the company Luxguard I S.A. in Bascharage, Luxembourg;
09/98-08/05: Patent Examiner at the European Patent Office in Munich in Directorate 2.4.21, Vehicles and General Technology;
08/05-11/07: Patent Attorney at the private practice Dennemeyer & Associates in Luxembourg;
11/07-02/23: Founder and owner of the private practice Lecomte & Partners in Luxembourg;
03/23-02/25: Consultant at the private practice Lecomte & Partners further to sale at Ipsilon Group.
04/25-now: Patent Manager at Rotarex S.A., Luxembourg

Languages:
French: mother tongue;
English: fluent;
German: fluent;
Dutch: passive knowledge.

Valérie Mellet is a European Patent and Trademark Attorney, as well as the Founding and Managing Partner of Patent42 S.A., a patent law firm established in 2014 in Luxembourg. With 25 years of experience in intellectual property, she has spent most of her career in private practice, with a brief period working in industry. Her main area of technical expertise is chemistry.

Beyond managing her firm, Valérie plays an active role in the European patent community. She has served on the Board of the Federation of Patent and Trademark Attorneys of Luxembourg (FCPIL) for the past ten years and is a member of both the Professional Education Committee and the Patent Litigation Committee. She also contributes to the SACEPO Working Group on Quality at the European Patent Office (EPO) and takes part in several SQAP sessions.

Outside of her professional commitments, Valérie enjoys photography and producing short films.

Pascal is a passionate European, Dutch and Belgian patent attorney. He holds Master’s degrees in Engineering (Utrecht) and in Intellectual Property Law and Management (Strasbourg).

He began his IP career in 2008 as a patent information specialist in private practice and has since worked for both SMEs and large industrial companies active in sectors such as automotive, heavy-duty vehicles, mobility applications (including bicycles and motorcycles), offshore, data centers, and other industrial markets. Throughout his career, Pascal has held IP leadership positions and served as a European Patent Attorney.

Since 2024, he has been employed at Gates Corporation in Luxembourg as Global IP Director.

Pascal’s motivation to join the EPI Council is to serve as an ambassador for European Patent Attorneys in Luxembourg and to represent their interests within the Council.

Jevgenijs Fortuna

Professional address:
FORAL Patent & Law Office
Kaleju iela 14-7, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Tel +371 67223450
E-mail: [email protected]

Education:
Bachelor of Science, Riga Technical University, 1997.
Master of Business Administration, University of Latvia, 1999.
Law Degree, University of Latvia, 2005.
Patent attorney of the Republic of Latvia – 2003.
European Trademark Attorney - 2004.
European Patent Attorney - 2005.
National trainer certified by European Patent Institute – 2009.

Professional
Active in the field of Intellectual Property since 1997. Practicing as patent & trademark attorney since 2003 (FORAL Patent & Law Office). Author of various publications in the field of IP.

Member of European Patent Institute (EPI), International Trademark Association (INTA), Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle (AIPPI), Licensing Executives Society (LES), Association of Latvian Patent Attorneys (LPPA).
President of Association of Patent Attorneys of Latvia since 2009.
Member of the Board of Latvian group of AIPPI.
Member of the Council of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the EPO.

Personal details
Name: Sami Amira
Address: SBM Offshore; 11 Av. Albert II - MC 98000 Monaco
Professional experience
2014-present: Patent advisor, SBM Offshore, Monaco
2010-2014: Patent advisor, Gevers Patents, Belgium
2009: Patent advisor, Bird Goën & Co, Belgium
2008: Teacher, IT Gymnasiet, Sweden
2005-2006: Researcher, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Germany
2001-2005: Junior Researcher, Uppsala Universitet, Sweden
1998-2001: Junior Researcher, Universiteit Gent, Belgium
1997-1998: Junior Researcher/Administrator, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Education
2005 PhD Materials Chemistry, Uppsala University, Belgium
1997 Licentiate Modern History, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
1993 Licentiate Physical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
1989 Graduation, Latin-Maths, Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, Belgium
Qualifications
European, French and Belgian Patent Attorney
Languages
Dutch, English, French, Swedish, German (all C1 or higher)

I am the Managing Partner of Lutovac & Partneri and currently the only European Patent Attorney in Montenegro. I have been working in the firm since 2008, and I passed the Bar Exam in 2014.

My work is focused on intellectual property and commercial law. I represent clients in trademark infringement cases, patent protection and patent disputes, acting for both local businesses and large multinational companies.

I have led and supervised actions against counterfeits, pirated goods and other IP infringements, before courts and through administrative proceedings. Alongside my IP practice, I advise clients on company establishment, fulfillment of commercial contracts, and debt collection.

European Patent Attorney and qualified representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) with almost 20 years of experience in intellectual property. My academic background in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering provides a solid foundation for my work, supporting a clear understanding of complex technologies and their protection.
Based in Malta for nearly 15 years, I have been working in-house, but maintained close links to the local innovation landscape and professional community. Having served two terms on the epi Council, I have contributed to representing Malta’s interests and perspectives within the Institute. I seek re-election to continue supporting the participation of smaller member states in epi activities, to strengthen professional exchange, and to ensure that Malta remains well connected within the European patent community.

partner at AOMB Intellectual Property, member of management team at AOMB, member of Supervisory Board at AIPEX (Alliance of independent IP firms across Europe), member of Editorial Committee of epi

Ingenieur technische fysica (Delft, 1984), propedeuse rechten (Erasmus 1980), octrooigemachtigde, European patent attorney (1988), CEIPI tutor, EPO EQE (opposition), Litcom EPI, managing partner A&S, adviseur gemachtigden, advocaten en (internationale) bedrijven, TQJ UPC (van drie NL gemachtigden).

Veel ervaring in oppostie en beroep:
"Many opponents secretly would rather concede defeat than face the immensely experienced Addick Land. He has successfully pleaded cases on several occasions before the European Patent Office (EPO)."

Door de combinatie van technische rechter in de UPC en ervaren EP octrooigemachtigde verwacht ik een nuttige bijdrage te kunnen leveren aan de verdere ontwikkeling van ons beroep, en derhalve aan de innovatie en economische vooruitgang in Nederland,

I am a Dutch and European patent attorney since 2008. After my studies in Molecular Sciences at the University of Wageningen, I received a PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Bern, I started working at V.O. Patents & Trademarks in 2005, where I am currently one of the partners. In addition to my daily patent work, I am actively involved in training candidate attorneys through the CEIPI training institute.
I have been part of the Dutch delegation of the epi Council since 2020, first as a substitute member and currently as a full member. I would like to use that experience and continue my contribution as a full member of the epi Council for the coming three years. I am committed to representing the interests of Dutch representatives, and to promoting quality and efficiency of the European patent system.

I am Tiem Reijns, a professional representative in industry from The Netherlands.

For the last three years, I have represented The Netherlands in the epi Council and have been actively involved in the presidium as vice-president.

As, leader of an industry patent department, president and board member of the Dutch Institute, and member of the EQE examination board, I have vast experience in uniting the stakeholders in the IP field, bringing industry, private practice, the government, and the Patent Office together in a fruitful collaborating spirit, moving the profession forwards in exciting rapidly changing times.

With your vote, I can continue building on the future of our profession through epi.

Patent attorney since 1994.
Technical field: biology, pharmacology.
Law degree in 1994, experience as deputy justice in the appeal court in The Hague.
Been active in epi disciplinary committee and been member of the Disciplinary Board of Appeal.
Since 2012 NL member of the Professional Education Committee and now chairing the subcommittee on Continued Professional Education and the WG on UP/UPC.
Active as epi speaker and epi and CEIPI tutor.

I have been a full council member for one period, and substitute member for two periods. Moreover, I have been head of FICPI national group for five years and been in the election committee of the national FICPI group for 5 years. I have also been committed to sport and I have 5 years as a board member in an Icehockey club, now I am in the control committee of this Icehockey Club. Also I have been a regular coauthor of patent papers for the Norwegian AIPPI group on study questions. I have been an exco delegate at AIPPI since 2011.

Norwegian Patent Attorney since 1994, EPA since 2008 when Norway joined.
EPI Board member 2008-2017
EPI Council member 2008-2023, substitute member 2023-present
Disciplinary Committee member 2017-present

Victor Emmanuel Stephanus (called Steven) van Dijk is a European and Dutch Patent Attorney, and founder of VDiQ IP Services, an independent law firm based in Stavanger, Norway. He brings over two decades of experience in intellectual property, combining insight from both industry and private practice to deliver high-quality, strategic IP advice.

After obtaining his degree in Electronic Engineering from the Eindhoven University of Technology (NL), Steven began his career in 1997 as a Research Scientist at Philips Research Laboratories in Eindhoven, where he worked in integrated circuit design. During this period, he filed 24 invention disclosures, eight of which were selected for patent filing—an experience that sparked his lasting interest in intellectual property.

In 2003, Steven transitioned into the IP profession by joining Philips Intellectual Property & Standards, where he qualified as a Dutch Patent Attorney and started his European qualification. Following Philips’ divestment of its semiconductors division, he continued his work at NXP Semiconductors before moving to DeltaPatents in 2007, where he completed his European Patent Attorney qualification.

In 2012, Steven joined Mapper Lithography in Delft (NL) as an in-house patent attorney, further deepening his experience within high-tech industry environments. A year later, he relocated to Norway and joined Håmsø Patentbyrå in Stavanger, where he worked for almost twelve years—five of them as a partner—providing IP strategy and patent services to clients across diverse sectors.

In May 2025, Steven founded VDiQ IP Services, realizing a long-held ambition to establish his own firm. The foundation of VDiQ is his conviction that quality and clarity in IP services are both achievable and essential. His clients consistently recognize him as a trusted and skilled advisor, and his expertise has been acknowledged in multiple international rankings, including the IAM Patent 1000.

Managing private patent attorneys office located in Kraków and Wroclaw, experience in technology transfer and managing drug discovery research center at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow; drafting and filing patent applications; active in the Polish Chamber of Patent Attorneys.

2022 – European Patent Attorney (EQE qualified)
2011 – Polish Patent Attorney
2010 – Postgraduate studies in the field of intellectual property protection at the University of Warsaw, Faculty of Law and Administration
2004 – Master's degree in biology (biophysics) at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow
2003 – Master's degree in philosophy at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow

Electrical engineer, graduated in electronics and telecommunications from the Technical University of Lodz, Poland, and the Technical University of Denmark. He gained extensive experience in the industry having worked at various international telecommunication corporations. He has experience in developing patent strategies, primarily for startups and established SMEs. Currently, he runs Kancelaria EUPATENT.PL in Lodz.

He qualified as a European patent attorney in 2007. Since then he held various positons at the epi, starting from Professional Qualifications Commitee (then Professional Education Commitee). Contributed to educating EQE trainees as an epi and CEIPI tutor. Direct supervisor to four candidates - three already passed the EQE, the fourth still under the training period. Since 2023, the epi Council member.

Alicja Rogozińska is a Polish Patent Attorney (since 1999), European Patent Attorney and professional representative before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). She has been working in one of the biggest Polish patent agencies since 1997.
With her background in material engineering she is a patent and utility model practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in the prosecution, maintenance and litigation procedures.
Ms Rogozińska graduated with a Master’s degree from the Faculty of Material Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology; she completed post-graduate studies in the area of Intellectual Property Law at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and the European School of Law and Administration in Warsaw. Since 1983 she has been a certified translator of the German language with the Polish Supreme Technical Organisation.
For many years Ms. Rogozińska has been active in several professional organizations, i.e. Regional Council of the Polish Chamber of Patent Attorneys and the Polish Chapter of Licensing Executive Society, currently serving as a Treasurer of LES Poland.
Continuously since 2006, she has been serving as the active member of the epi Disciplinary Committee where she has acting as a Rapporteur and a Chair. In 2020 she started her first term as a epi Council member.

Managing private IP practice, acquisition of clients; representation of clients in industrial property matters; drafting and filing of patent applications; creating business strategies for managing industrial property.

2023 - European Patent Litigator
2010 – European patent attorney (EQE qualified)
2008 – Polish Patent attorney,
2007 - Postgraduate studies in the field of intellectual property protection at the University of Warsaw, Faculty of Law and Administration
2002 – Doctor of Chemistry at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw
1999 - Master's degree in theoretical physics at the School of Exact Sciences in Warsaw
1997 - Bachelor's degree in mathematical modeling of phenomena at the School of Exact Sciences in Warsaw

Naval Mechanical Engineer (Portuguese Naval Academy – from Portuguese Navy)
General Manager of Lupral (an angolan company belongy to the Belgium company Eternit)
Portuguese Patent Attorney
European Patent Attorney

I am a European and Romanian patent attorney with a background that bridges science and finance. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Bucharest, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting, and a Master’s degree in the Chemistry of Medicaments and Cosmetic Products. I qualified as a European patent attorney in 2012, after passing the EQE.

Since 2007, I have been working with patents, advising clients on patent prosecution and IP strategy. I am passionate about professional education and mentoring: since 2012, I have served as a tutor for the European Qualifying Examination in collaborations with epi, the European Patent Academy, and CEIPI. Currently, I am the coach coordinator for the EQE Candidate Support Program, and EPO initiative to support and foster the next generation of patent professionals in Europe.

Within epi, I have been a member of the Online Communication Committee since 2017 and I am a full member of the Professional Education Committee , contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening the education of future professional representatives. I also chair the epi Working Group on IP Awareness and currently serve as President of the AIPPI Romanian Group, eager to promote IP awareness and engagement at both national and European levels.

I am a European and Romanian patent attorney with 30 years of uninterrupted practice in the field. My technical background is in biology, having studied at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology.

I have been working with patents since 1995, focusing on patent drafting and prosecution, and on advising clients on patent strategies. I strive to keep myself up to date with everything regarding patent practice, legislation, jurisprudence, technology transfer. I strongly believe in disseminating information about patents to the young generations of researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs. As such, I see it as a personal mission to get out from my desk and speak about patents, raising the level of awareness and education about patent strategy and prosecution.

Within epi, I am currently a member of the Council and also a full member of the Biotech Committee, contributing to initiatives aimed at amending or clarifying the legislation and practice in the field of biotechnological inventions. I believe that it is important to have a voice where the decisions are made, a voice that speaks for the interests of the Romanian patent attorneys.

Studied mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest with main emphasis on general mechanics.
Competent in all areas of intellectual property, with work experience in drafting and prosecution of patent applications (Romanian, International and European).

European patent attorney since 2003.

Member of the Romanian Chamber of Patent Attorneys( CNCPIR), epi Council full member for Romania , member of AIPPI(former president), currently secretary of the national Romanian AIPPI Group.

- Angajat al Cabinet M. Oproiu: nov. 2006 - prezent
- Consilier european de brevete de inventie: iul. 2023 - prezent/Calificat in urma EQE (European qualification examination by European Patent Office).
- European Patent Litigator (UPC) / Calificat in urma examenelor de "European Patent Litigator" ale Universitatii Maastricht (2025) si Universitatii Strasbourg (2025): mai 2025 - prezent
- Tutore pentru studentii EPI in vederea obtinerii EQE: aug. 2023 - prezent.
- Membru substitutent al "EPI Litigation Committee" (LitCom): mai 2024 - prezent.
- Membru al Subcomitetului LitCom "UPC" (Unitary Patent Court): mai 2024 - prezent. - Membru substituent al "EPI Professional Conduct Committee" (PCC): mai 2024 - prezent
- Membru al Grupului de Lucru al PCC "Further possible Amendments of the Code of Conduct of professional representatives": mai 2024 - prezent
- Consilier roman de brevete de inventie: mai 2008 - prezent

I am a European and Romanian patent attorney with a background in biochemistry and biotechnology. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Bucharest. I qualified as a European Patent Attorney in 2023 after passing the online EQE.

Since 2010, I have been working in the IP field, where I handle patent drafting, prosecution, and validation of European patents in Romania. My work focuses on advising clients on national and international patent procedures and supporting their business interests through clear and reliable legal guidance.

I am interested in training and helping others learn. I currently participate as a mentor for EQE trainees within epi and have completed a Training of Trainers course, obtaining a Certificate of Qualification in Adult Vocational Training. I also completed advanced training with the WIPO Academy on trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications.

Within the profession, I am an active member of the European Patent Practice Committee of epi and of AIPPI. I am also a member of the National Chamber of Industrial Property Advisers of Romania (CNCPIR). I am eager to contribute to strengthening the education and preparation of future European patent professionals.

Raluca Vasilescu – European Patent Attorney, Romanian Patent and Trademark Attorney, is one of the two founding partners of Cabinet M Oproiu.
She specializes in patent and trademark prosecution and the technical part of the litigations.
With regard to patents, Raluca’s expertise lies in drafting patent applications for the European Patent Office, the international patent applications, as well as national patent applications, all in the fields of mechanics/electronics, including artificial intelligence.
With regard to trademarks, her practice concentrates on proceedings before the Romanian Patent Office and the EUIPO, including opposition and appeal proceedings.
Raluca’s competitive edge is the patent drafting and the technical part of the patent litigations.
Raluca wrote the Romanian chapter of Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights through Border Measures (Oxford University Press, 2012) and contributed to the first edition called Community Trade Mark Regulation: A Commentary (CH Beck Hart Nomos, 2015) and to the second edition of European Union Trade Mark Regulation: Article-by-Article Commentary (CH Beck Hart Nomos, 2018). She is frequent contributor to various international publications in the field of patents and trademarks.
Raluca is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Raluca is member of the European Patent Practice Committee (EPPC) of the European Patent Institute (EPI), co-delegate for Romania for FICPI (Fédération Internationale des Conseils en Propriété Industrielle), member of ECTA (European Community Trademark Association), and vice-president of Romanian Group of AIPPI (Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle).

DEJAN BOGDANOVIĆ
Vlajkovićeva 28, 11000 Beograd, Srbija
tel. + 381 11 323 1970, fax + 381 11 324 5065
e-mail: [email protected]
www.mjb.rs

For over 30 years, Dejan Bogdanović has been advising and representing domestic and foreign clients in the field of intellectual property rights protection, primarily before the competent republican and judicial authorities in the Republic of Serbia, as well as before the European Patent Office based in Munich, Germany, and at WIPO (World Organization for intellectual property), based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dejan Bogdanović has been practicing law since 1993 and has been a patent and trademark attorney since the same year.

Dejan Bogdanović is responsible for the office's portfolio in the field of intellectual property rights protection and specializes in representation in court proceedings for trademark, patent or design infringement, as well as in copyright disputes, where he has represented clients in several significant cases.

Dejan Bogdanović is:

- a member of the Belgrade Bar Association,
- a European patent atorney since 2011, registered at EPO
(https://www.epo.org/applying/online-services/representatives.html);
- a permanent member of the EPI Council (European Patent Institute - https://patentepi.org/en/epi-bodies/council-members-2020-2023.html#c-RS,
- a long-time member of the EPI Disciplinary Committee https://patentepi.org/en/epi-bodies/the- disciplinary-committee.html;
- President of the AIPPI Group for Serbia - https://aippi.rs/o-nama/,
- a long-term member of the Examination Committee of the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia in the process of obtaining the title of patent and/or trademark attorney;
- a long-time member of INTA - International Trademark Organization.

Dejan Bogdanović is recognized in the world by many international publications in the field of IP, some of which are:

Chambers & Partners Europe 2025
https://chambers.com/lawyer/dejan-bogdanovic-europe-7:322089

WTR (World Trademark Review) 2025
https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/rankings/wtr-1000/profile/firm/mikijelj-jankovic-bogdanovic

LEGAL 500 2025
https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-serbia/intellectual-property/13345-mikijelj-jankovic-bogdanovic

Curriculum Vitae
Name: Nada Herak
Position Sought: EPI Counsel Election Candidate
________________________________________
Professional Summary
Experienced Patent and Trademark Attorney with over 20 years of extensive expertise in intellectual property law, patent prosecution, and IP rights management at national and international levels. Proven leadership in IP consultancy, legal representation, and strategic IP dispute resolution. Member of key professional bodies, with a solid track record in IP policy and litigation. Committed to advancing the interests of the IP community through strategic counsel and collaborative engagement.
________________________________________
Employment History
2024 – Present HERAK, Consulting Agency, Belgrade, Serbia
Patent & Trademark Attorney, EPO and UPC representative
• Providing consulting services for national/international IP rights protection
• Drafting and revising IP agreements, patent/trademark applications
• Managing IP portfolio using CMS systems
2021 – 2024 Clarivate, Belgrade, Serbia
Senior Manager, IP Consultant
• Managed global reinstatement of IP rights, aligning legal strategy with commercial realities
• Led an international team, ensuring successful outcomes in reinstatement processes
• Led direct contact with rights holders and agents
2015 – 2021 PETOŠEVIĆ, Belgrade, Serbia
Patent & Trademark Attorney / Independent Consultant
• Advised international clients on patent prosecution, patent oppositions, and nullity proceedings
• Conducted patent searches, validity, and infringement analyses
• Managed national/international patent and SPC applications (EP/PCT), and handled enforcement projects
2004 – 2015 Law Office PPSP, Belgrade, Serbia
Patent & Trademark Attorney
• Prepared and prosecuted patent/SPC and trademark applications
• Drafted responses to Official Actions and legal reports
• Managed EPO/PCT and TM procedures
2002 – 2004 Law Office PPSP, Belgrade, Serbia
Trainee Patent & Trademark Attorney
• Translated patent applications
• Assisted in patent and TM prosecution and client correspondence
2000 – 2002 Q LT Inc., Vancouver, Canada
QC Analyst II
• Developed and validated HPLC/GC analytical methods in compliance with GMP/FDA regulations
• Managed SAP systems and laboratory data integrity
________________________________________
Certifications & Memberships
• Member of Biotech Committe, and associate memner of EPPC Committees, (2025)
• Member, Association of Scientific & Technical Translators, Serbia (2013)
• Professional Representative before EPO & EPI Member (2011)
• Registered Patent Representative, Serbia (2004)
• Member, Serbian Chemical Society (1992)
________________________________________
Education & Training
• European Patent Litigation Certificate, ERA & Maastricht University, 2024
• Internship & Traineeship for Patent Professionals at the EPO, 2014 & 2015
• Certification in Scientific & Court Translation, Serbia, 2013
• MSc in Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 2009
• Patent Attorney Registration, Serbian Patent Office, 2004
________________________________________
Key Skills & Competencies
• IP Law & Litigation
• Patent & Trademark Prosecution
• Strategic IP Portfolio Management
• International IP Policy & Advocacy
• IP Dispute Resolution & Negotiation
• Multilingual Communication & Translation
• Leadership & Team Management
________________________________________
References
Available upon request.

Mara Janković advises clients on intellectual property matters and is responsible for the protection of their IP rights. She represents clients in trademark infringement litigation and customs action proceedings.Mara also advises and represents clients in general commercial law matters before Serbian courts.

Marija Tomic is a Senior Patent Attorney at Zivko Mijatovic and Partners. She is qualified European Patent Attorney and Serbian Trademark and Patent Attorney. She also works as a patent translator.
She has graduated at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, where she also obtained her MSc degree in Biological Sciences. She worked as the assistant to professor at same faculty for four years. During this time, she participated in multiple national and international projects and published results of her research. She worked as a researcher at the Institute for soil science in Belgrade until 2005. In parallel, from 2001 she acted as patent advisor and translator for different law offices in Serbia.
From 2005 she is employed at Zivko Mijatovic & Partners in Belgrade, intellectual property law office. During the years, she covered a wide range of different activities among which are: patent translations in the field of medical science, biotechnology, pharmacy, biology, and related areas, patent prosecution, patent and trademark searches, patent infringements, recruiting and educating translators, but also lawyers and administrative staff in patent matters. She passed exam for Serbian Patent and Trademark Attorney in 2014. Marija also attended three-year Candidate Support Project program at the EPO. She passed the EQE exam in 2017. Since 2018 she acted as EQE tutor for several years for different EQE exams.
Marija is a member of the EPI, AIPPI, FICPI, she is on the list of a professional representatives before the Serbian Intellectual Property Office, and she is also Member of the EPI Council.

My initial professional experience in intellectual property, with a particular focus on industrial property, began at the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, where I worked as a patent examiner. In 2001, I transitioned from the IP Office to private practice joining Mikijelj Janković & Bogdanović.
With a background in chemistry, I have developed substantial expertise in drafting and filing patent applications, SPC applications, patent prosecution, and formulating patent strategies. My specialization encompasses industrial property rights in the areas of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Additionally, I assist clients in securing plant variety rights and managing internet domain registrations.
I have served three terms as a full member of the epi Council and hope to earn your vote to continue contributing to our profession.

Mihajlo Zatezalo
Attorney at Law | Patent and Trademark Attorney | European Patent Attorney
Mihajlo has 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual property (IP), with a strong focus on the wider Balkan region and Eastern Europe. He has advised and represented numerous multinational companies across a range of industries, particularly in complex trademark and patent litigation, and enforcement matters. His work regularly involves court representation, negotiating with infringers, and close cooperation with customs, police, and market inspectorate authorities.
Throughout his career, Mihajlo has contributed to numerous capacity-building initiatives. He was part of a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) project aimed at improving the structure and processes of the Serbian Intellectual Property Office (2007–2008), and later participated in an EU-funded project to strengthen the Institute for Intellectual Property of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2015).
Mihajlo is an active member of several international intellectual property organizations. He is a member of INTA, FICPI, AIPPI, and member of the Belgrade Bar Association.
He is also a Member of the Council of the European Patent Institute (EPI) since 2014, and he is on EPI’s Litigation Committee.
Mihajlo has continuously been recognized by the IP community as an expert in this field. Various ranking organizations for the legal industry, such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, WTR 1000 rankings, Who’s Who Legal have ranked him in the highest ranking tiers for his professional achievements for almost 20 years.
He regularly represents at industry conferences and professional meetings. He also delivers lectures and training sessions on various IP-related topics.
Mihajlo contributed the chapter on Serbia to the ‘’Patent Enforcement in Europe” guide published by the European Patent Office (EPO). “Patent Enforcement in Europe” is a compilation of country profiles which provide comprehensive insight into national enforcement practices and procedures in the European Patent Convention (EPC) contracting states.

Highlights:
I am currently responsible for Höganäs Global IP function,
Handling IP assets globally, including Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and Domain names.
Developing and overseeing the execution of IP strategies globally aligning them with the business goals.
Track record of Process Development and Implementation.
M&A support, Licensing negotiations. Budgeting responsibilities.
European Patent attorney and Litigator
Experience speaker at IP conferences, an active member of several IP communities

Head of IP at Höganäs AB
November 2020 - present

Corporate Patent Attorney at Höganäs AB
Höganäs, February 2020- November 2020

European Patent Attorney at Zacco, Chemistry Team Copenhagen-Lund, December 2018-2020

Patent Attorney at Zacco, Life Science and Chemistry Team
Copenhagen-Lund, December 2016-2018

Patent Attorney at Nordic Patent Service
Copenhagen, Denmark March 2015 - November 2016;

IP Analyst at BioInvent International AB
Lund, Sweden 2008-2013

Patent Attorney at Patent and Law agency, “Doubinsky & Osharova”
Kyiv, Ukraine, 2003-2004

Examiner and thereafter Senior Examiner at the Patent Office of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, 2001-2003


DEGREES
Bachelor degree from Law Faculty Strasbourg 2024 UPC patent litigation;
PhD Degree Lund University, Lund Sweden 2004 - 2008;
Master of Science with Honours, Kyiv State University, Ukraine,1998;
Bachelor of Science, Intellectual Property Kiev Ukraine, 2001;

Highlights TRAINING AND SEMINARS
Unified Patent Court Litigation Certificate 2024
EQE passed 2018
Delta-Patents EQE training 2017
CEIPI -2015-2016,
EUCAD claim drafting course, FICPI Hamburg March 2016, August 2015
Regular updates on the Case Law, Opposition at the EPO

Highlights SPEAKING at the IP conferences

IP Law European Summit Cannes 2024;
IP Law European Summit Paris 2023;
Nordic IP Forum 2019.

LANGUAGES
Swedish, English, Danish, Ukrainian

As shown below, I have worked for 40 years in the three major fields of IP practice - as EPO examiner, in-house counsel and private practice.
I have a pragmatic and commerciall-aware approach to IP. I am often consulted on EPO practice by my peers and asked for advice on how to deal with complicated situations. I have lectured on IP at training course at the Swedish Patent Office and Swedish IP Academy, and frequently given presentations (often on my favourite subject - oppositions) at IP conferences around the world.

I am a member of the European Patent Practice Committe for Mechanics and a deputy Council member. I believe 100% in inclusion and fairness. Last year I represented Sweden at the 97th. Council meeting as deputy, and succesfully argued against a motion which would have made our institute less inclusive by raising the entry requirements for becoming a European Patent Attorney.


1979-1983 BSc student in Mechanical Engineering with French, University of Bath, UK and undergraduate apprentice at Westland Helicopters PLC, Weston-super-Mare, UK
1983-1993 EPO examiner, DG1, Den Haag
1993-1995 CEO of book publisher and mailorder aviation equipement retailer, Uppsala, Sweden.
1995-1998 European Patent Attorney at Albihns Patentbyrå AB, Stockholm, Sweden.
1999-2000 European Patent Attorney at Brann AB, patent attorney firlm, Uppsala, Sweden.
2000-2006 In-house counsel Amerhsam Pharmacia Biotech (later GE Heathcare) in Uppsala, Sweden and Little Chalfont, UK
2006-2017 European Patent Attorney at Brann AB, Uppsala, Sweden
2017 to date European Patent Attorney at Hynell Patenttjänst AB, now Bjerkén HYnell KB.

Regular member of SE representation at epi Council 2023-2026 and serving my third period.

2020 - Current: Head of patents/Patent manager at Epiroc Rock Drills AB (Epiroc Group)
2011-2020: Senior partner, IP Consultancy firm Zacco AB
2000-2011: Group Patent Director, Saab AB (Saab Group)
1995-2000: Patent Manager, Ericsson Radio Communications AB
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/margareta-ydreskog-5625265/)

An EQE qualified European and also a Slovenian Patent Attorney with a history of working in the research at Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Background in microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, molecular cloning, bacterial physiology and bacterial communication. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in general microbiology obtained at University of Ljubljana. A member of the epi PEC and active tutor for epi EPAC course in 2024 and 2025.

Born 1961 in Kranj, Slovenia (SI). Graduated on University in Ljubljana in 1984 (Mechanical Engineering). After several years of practical experiences in industry, I started in the field of IP as a national patent and desing atorney. In 1993 established my own patent & trademark agency, starting with national and PCT- patent applications. Since 2003 active also as European patent attorney; drafting, filing and processing applications with the EPO, but generally worldwide. Active also in EPI as a Council member.

Gregor Maček je diplomiral tako s področja elektrotehnike kot tudi s področja prava na Univerzi v Ljubljani. V pravni pisarni ITEM d.o.o. se je zaposlil leta 1997 in v letu 2000 prevzel vlogo direktorja. Deluje zlasti na področju prava znamk, domen, patentov, modelov ter zastopa stranke tudi pred sodiščem. Aktivno je sodeloval pri pripravi sprememb Zakona o industrijski lastnini v letih 2001, 2006, 2020 in 2022. Napisal je znatno število člankov v mednarodnih publikacijah in ob številnih priložnostih predaval na temo slovenske zakonodaje in sodne prakse.

My name is Renata Osolnik, I come from Slovenia and am of Slovenian nationality. After having finished my PhD in organic chemistry in 2003, I have been working as an in-house IP consultant for Krka d.d., Novo mesto, a Slovenian generic manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, and as deputy head of the IP department since 2005.
I passed the Slovenian national examination in 2007, and the EQE in 2008. As from 2017 I have been one of the epi Council members for Slovenia. My detailed CV is available at the following link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-osolnik-98843015/. My mother tongue is Slovenian, but I am fluent in English and German, and I have some basic knowledge of French, Croatian, and Italian.

European patent attorney (EQE qualified) in private practice, primarily providing services in the prosecution field.
Currently serving as Council substitute member, as well as member of the Disciplinary committee (serving in 2 distinct chambers and been actively involved in 6 cases during my tenure) and Professional education committee, both since 2023.
I am also serving as member of the Slovak Patent Attorney Chamber (aka Institute) Presidium since 2013.
Beyond my professional work with clients, I am also actively involved in IP-related policy work in Slovakia with respective stakeholders and governmental organisations, legislative processes as well as in the innovation ecosystem, fostering presence of financial means targeting innovation funding and protection by serving as consultant to governmental and non-profit organisations involved in IP matters.

Professional activities:
1989 Professional stay in Finland – 6 months – HAKA Lahti oy.
1998 – 01 JUDr. Miroslav BUDAJ, Heydukova 31, Bratislava, Slovak Republic – Advocate, patent and trade mark office - attorney clerk
Dec.1998 Specialist exams on the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic
Feb. 1999 Member of the Slovak Chamber of Patent Attorneys– authorisation for trade marks and appellation of origin – Self standing of the Patent attorney
Dec.1999 Specialist exams on Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic – license for patents, topography, etc.
May 2001 Advocate exams
June 2001 Member of the Slovak Advocate Chamber
June 2001
Independent Advocate office – orientation on commercial and civil law, industrial property law, copyright, bankruptcy law, etc.
March 2005 Beginning of the activity of common advocate, patent and trade mark office NEUSCHL, LESAJ & Partners
April 2005
Elected for the position of the chairman of Slovak Chamber of Patent Attorneys
Dec. 2005 Specialist exams for the Assignee of a bankrupt’s estate – registration on the list of assignees

Qualified as EPA in 1997, I already served epi in a few committees and, as a full epi council member (2000-2023), as epi board member (2000-2017) and as vice-president (2008-2011). I am currently a substitute member.
I was elected by the EPO AC to the DBoA for five years (2019-2023) which was renewed for another term (2024-2029).

Professional Summary
- Patent Attorney TR–EP–UPC
- AIPPI Turkey Vice-President
- CEIPI Local Coordinator
- WIPO Trainer

Educational Roles
- Chair, Tutors & Coaches Subcommittee, PEC, epi
- epi Tutor
- CSP Coach

Languages
- Fluent English, French, B1-German, A1-Chinese, and native Turkish

Education
- B.Sc., Electrical Engineering – Technical University of Istanbul
- M.A., European Studies of Science, Technology and Society – Maastricht University
- CEIPI Diploma, Patent Litigation in Europe

Publications
- Author of three IP books in Turkey

Additional Activities
- Developer of educational iOS apps
- Sci-Fi Author – published works in speculative fiction
- YouTuber – Euro Patent Brief channel on patent law

Partner and Head of Patent Prosecution at Istanbul Patent, leading interdisciplinary IP teams and managing patent portfolios in mechanical, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.

Responsible for strategic IP counseling, patent drafting and prosecution, freedom-to-operate (FTO), infringement and validity analyses, and EPO/UPC litigation support.

Over 14 years of experience in intellectual property, integrating engineering expertise with deep legal knowledge and client-focused strategy.

European Patent Attorney (EQE 2022) and Turkish Patent Attorney (2013).

Completed the CEIPI “Patent Litigation in Europe” University Diploma (2025) and qualified as a UPC Representative.

Appointed court expert before Turkish IP Courts, with more than 100 expert reports submitted in patent infringement and invalidity cases.

Education:
M.Sc. Nanoscience & Nanoengineering, Istanbul Technical University
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Sakarya University
Associate Degree in Law (Justice Program), Ankara University