The HTB Forums, organized by the EPO, are a yearly event series to raise awareness among business decision makers about the relevance and chances of IP and IP management. The first four instalments in 2024 were the Build-to-sell forum, Growth financing forum, Digital innovations forum and the Open innovation forum and the series was concluded on 11.11.2024 with the IP strategy and management forum and a presentation of the case study Oxylabs by Marija Markova.

Marija Markova is an experienced technology lawyer. As head of the IP team at Oxylabs.io, she advises on IP strategy, oversees IP filings and disputes before the IP offices worldwide, litigates IP disputes in alternative dispute resolution forums, and manages a network of external counsels. Marija is committed to raising IP awareness and establishing robust internal processes. She holds a PhD in Intellectual Property Law from Vilnius University and an LL.M. (cum laude) in International and European Law from Utrecht University.

Case study presentation

Oxylabs, a leading provider of web data intelligence solutions, has achieved significant success in the digital landscape. A key factor in their success is their strategic approach to intellectual property (IP) management, particularly their focus on building IP awareness throughout the company.

Oxylabs’ IP strategy is grounded in securing freedom to operate, providing legal certainty, fostering a culture of innovation, and maintaining a strong market position. Their IP management processes are a blend of agility and gradual formalization, allowing them to adapt quickly to market changes while ensuring the protection of their intellectual assets.

A cornerstone of Oxylabs’ IP strategy is their commitment to building IP awareness among their employees. They achieve this through a layered approach that includes:

  • Introductory material for new employees, providing a foundational understanding of IP and its importance.
  • Quarterly “Innovation Mining” meetings with technical teams to encourage idea sharing and educate employees about the patentability of new technological solutions and improvements.
  • Partner engagement and expertise sharing, leveraging relationships with external IP partners to provide valuable insights and keep employees informed on the latest developments in IP law.
  • Internal training programs tailored to the company’s changing IP needs, covering practical aspects of the patent process from application to grant.
  • Public relations and recognition of new patent grants and other IP achievements to highlight the company’s success and keep employees informed about IP developments.
  • Inventive bonus policy to incentivize innovation and emphasize the benefits of contributing to the IP portfolio.

In addition to patents, Oxylabs emphasises trademarks, copyrights, and open-source licensing in their IP awareness initiatives. They conduct internal training sessions for content teams on copyright and trademark fundamentals, and partner with IP attorneys to provide training on open-source licensing best practices.

Oxylabs’ comprehensive approach to IP awareness building has fostered a culture of innovation and ensured that all employees understand the value of IP and contribute to its protection and exploitation.

Panel discussion

After the presentation of the case study an expert panel headed by Prof. Dr. Alexander Wurzer, Director IP Management Education, CEIPI, discussed the findings of the case study as well as what business decision makers in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific can learn from it. Also, questions from the live audience were addressed.

The other members of the expert panel were:

Maryam Khajeh Tabari

Maryam Khajeh Tabari has over 20 years of experience in IP and commercialisation, having worked in both the private and public sectors. She is a registered Patent and Trademark Attorney and, in addition to her role as a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law at UTS, she is a Principal of Chrysilou IP. Maryam holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (Hons) and a Master of Biomedical Engineering. She also holds a Master of Industrial Property (Law) and a Diploma in Innovation Management and completed her Juris Doctor and Graduate Certificate of Professional Legal Practice at UTS.

Maria Boicova-Wynants

Maria Boicova-Wynants is an experienced IP lawyer and IP strategy consultant. She runs her own IP law and strategy consultancy practice, bringing two decades of international experience to her clients. Maria is a Latvian Patent and Trademark Attorney, a European Trademark and Design Attorney, and a European Mediator in civil and commercial cross-border disputes. Her main areas of expertise include IP strategy, contractual relations, and alternative dispute resolution. She is also a recognised mediator and art law expert, listed with the Court of Arbitration for Art (The Hague) and the WIPO ADR Centre. Maria holds an MBA from Vlerick Business School (Belgium) and an LL.M. (MIPLM) from CEIPI/University of Strasbourg.

George Likourezos

George Likourezos is a partner and patent attorney at the intellectual property law firm of Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP. George received his law degree from Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, and his electrical engineering degree from New York University Tandon School of Engineering. George is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is also a mentor and advisor to startups at the Sustainable Aero Lab, Starburst Aviation Accelerator, Founder Institute, and ARMI BioFab Lab (designed by Dean Kamen) on topics such as the patent process, strategic patent portfolio development, brand protection, and operations, and serves as the co-chair of the Startups Committee of the International Institute for IP Management (I3PM).

Key takeaways