Webinar series: Navigating freedom to operate (FTO) and patent risk management

Part 1: April 29, 2025, 9.00–10.00 am (EET)
Part 2: June 10, 2025, 9.00–10.00 am (EET)

How can you secure your business and avoid costly patent disputes?
Join Berggren’s two-part webinar series to gain expert insights into FTO analysis and practical strategies for managing patent risks. Learn from seasoned professionals with deep experience in global IP management and legal risk mitigation.

Part 1: Laying the groundwork – FTO in R&D and risk management

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 9.00–10.00 am (EET)
Duration: 45 minutes + Q&A
Speakers: Mika Pinolehto and Mika Lehtinen

The first session introduces the core principles and structure of FTO analysis and patent risk management, especially from the perspective of Finland and other smaller European countries in the context of the Unitary Patent system.

Topics include:

• Why FTO matters early in R&D – and what happens if it’s ignored?

• Patent landscape and litigation risks in tech-heavy industries

• How Unitary Patents are reshaping smaller European markets

• A practical overview of the FTO process, including collaborative workshops

This session provides a strategic and procedural foundation for the real-world experiences covered in part 2.

About the speakers:
Mika Pinolehto, IPR Business Manager and Patent Attorney, specializes in patent portfolio management, infringement analysis, and IP strategy. With over 20 years of experience, primarily at Nokia and Berggren, he brings a strong technical foundation and a business-oriented mindset to help clients identify, manage, and mitigate IP-related risks and align their IP assets with strategic priorities.

Mika Lehtinen, Senior IP Business Advisor, Head of Brokerage, is a patent attorney with deep expertise in IP asset management and strategic advisory. With more than two decades of experience, including 15 years at Nokia, he has supported clients across the ICT, chemistry, and machinery sectors in building resilient IP portfolios, managing risks, and making informed decisions around their intellectual property.

Part 2: From theory to practice – insights from the field

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 9.00–10.00 am (EET)
Duration: 45 minutes + Q&A
Speakers: Jatta Toro and Mikael Mäkelä, Wärtsilä (Director, Intellectual Asset Management)

The second session brings theory into practice by sharing field-tested insights and real-world lessons from FTO and patent risk management projects. Rather than focusing on a single case, our experts highlight common pitfalls, regional differences (including the U.S.), and how external support can add value.

Topics include:

• Common FTO myths – and why they don’t hold up

• Practical experiences from industry

• The importance of collaborative FTO workshops

• Managing U.S. patent analysis and practices

Expect an experience-driven, solution-oriented discussion with time for audience questions.

About the speakers:
Jatta Toro, IP Business Advisor and Patent Attorney, has 20 years of experience across ICT, telecom, and quantum computing. She has worked with global corporations and startups, including Nokia, IQM, and Tieto. Jatta is known for translating complex legal concepts into clear business language and building IP portfolios that support long-term strategy.

Mikael Mäkelä, Wärtsilä (Director, Intellectual Asset Management)

Who should attend?

• R&D managers

• Patent attorneys

• Product development leads

• Innovation and business strategists

• Legal counsels

Format

• Two live 45-minute Zoom sessions - join from anywhere!

• Interactive and practical focus

• Includes Q&A

• Recordings available for registered participants

Registration

Secure your spot and ensure your innovations reach the market safely.
Gain practical tools and expert perspectives to manage patent risks and protect your freedom to operate.