Sean Alexander

Head of IP Umicore

Sean Alexander is Head of Intellectual Property at Umicore, a leading materials science company. Sean is a qualified European Patent Attorney, as well as a U.S. and Canadian Patent Agent. He has worked in the IP field for many years including with Procter & Gamble, DSM, Eli Lilly, and Gowlings WLG. Sean has been recognized as a leading IP strategist by IAM magazine and has a particular focus on aligning IP with business objectives.

Agenda Day 1

4:55 PM PANEL DISCUSSION & ROUNDTABLES: RAISING THE IP FLAG – DEMONSTRATING THE VALUE OF YOUR DEPARTMENT TO THE REST OF THE BUSINESS

Following their panel discussion, panellists will each join a table and delve into more detail with their peers, in order to draw actionable insights from the conversation and walk away with something new to try.


The IP department is one that largely operates behind the scenes, and with very little visibility within the rest of the company. And, even if other departments are aware of it, legal is very often sidestepped, circumvented with its image of pushing back projects with lengthy validation processes. In-house IP counsel must for this reason have the tools necessary to raise awareness around their function in order to limit leaks, ensure compliance and facilitate their role in the long run.

- Assess key stakeholders to raise awareness to and for what reasons, from upper management for improved budget allocation to employees for lower risk of leaks

- Discover key ways in which peers have educated and worked with other departments to demonstrate the importance of understanding IP in order to limit miscommunication and further work for the IP department down the line

- Weigh in on the importance of communication to maintain the good reputation of your brand, by firstly limiting leaks and ensuring compliance

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Sean.

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