The Hard Things About IP - Episode 1

In this episode, we take a step beyond patents and legal frameworks to explore a question that sits at the heart of innovation: how do organizations turn ideas into real outcomes? Romano Roth, Chief AI Officer at Zühlke, shares his perspective on AI transformation, organizational design, and the systems that help companies move from experimentation to impact. We discuss why many organizations struggle to scale innovation, how feedback loops influence decision-making, and why accountability needs to exist where the work happens. The conversation also explores AI adoption, the importance of experimentation and learning, and why organizations often need to rethink existing processes rather than simply add new technology on top of them. Because the hard things about IP? They often start long before a patent is filed.

In this episode of The Hard Things About IP, we take a fresh perspective on innovation—not through technology or legal frameworks, but through people. Our guest, Astrid Gyllenkrok Kristensen, CEO and co-founder of Leia Health, shares her journey of building a company that reimagines parental leave, employee health, and leadership training.Astrid discusses the challenges employees face during transformative life stages, the hidden costs of inadequate support, and how Leia Health leverages digital solutions and AI to create consistent, personalized experiences for working parents. She also explores the role of data as a strategic asset, the importance of measuring employee well-being, and the lessons she’s learned in turning innovative ideas into a sustainable business.Whether you’re a founder, HR professional, or simply interested in the future of work, this episode offers insights on how people-centered innovation can drive organizational success and retain talent in today’s competitive landscape.

In this episode, Christina Wainikka takes us inside the world of IP policy—from how she first discovered her passion for intellectualproperty to what it’s like attending IP5 meetings with the world’s leadingpatent offices.We explore the common blind spots in IP strategy—why it'smore than a legal matter, and how it can drive business value and attractinvestors. Christina also highlights why both small and large companies need touse patent data and competitive intelligence to avoid costly missteps.From AI tools that could transform legal workflows to the IPlessons hiding in your favorite Disney films, Christina brings clarity, candor,and a bit of inspiration to the conversation.Because the hard things about IP? They’re what make thedifference between protecting ideas and losing them.

Danielle Lewensohn joins us to talk about the challenges ofmanaging IP in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment—what she jokinglycalls “regulatory lasagna.” From improving workflows and prioritizing IPinternally, to why Excel just isn’t enough anymore, we cover what it reallytakes to make IP visible and actionable across an organization.She shares her views on AI as a helpful assistant, not areplacement, and why competitive monitoring is like choosing the right path inthe woods—miss it, and you might get eaten by wolves. We wrap up with a cleveranalogy between Mozart, Salieri, and the inventive step.Because the hard things about IP? They’re the ones that helpturn ideas into lasting value.

In the third episode, Per Wendin reflects on his experiences working with IP in large, organizations like Spotify and AstraZeneca. We explore how IP professionals can better communicate the value of their work to management, the role of IP in shaping competitive strategy, and how digital transformation has reshaped the field in recent years. With a mix of practical examples and strategic thinking, Per offers a sharp perspective on what it takes to elevate IP within a company.

In the second episode, Mitja Schonecke shares his journey into the world of IP, his experience managing patents across industries, and why filing without a clear strategy is a common—and costly—mistake.We dive into the key challenges companies face in protecting innovation, the role of competitive monitoring, and how digital transformation is changing the way we approach IP.From the foundations of a strong IP strategy to real-world lessons from his work in automotive and aerospace, Mitja offers sharp insight into the thinking behind successful IP management.Because the hard things about IP? They’re the ones that make all the difference.

In our first episode, Jonas Hagman shares his path into IP, the idea behind his consultancy, and why managing IP is about more than just filing patents.We dive into key challenges—from unclear strategies and overlooked collaboration agreements to knowing when to invest in an IPMS. Jonas also reflects on AI’s impact, the value of strong IP strategy, and yes, even IP in movies.Because the hard things about IP? They’re the ones that matter most.