Folke is Senior Counsel and a Partner at Papula-Nevinpat in Helsinki, Finland, plus a member of the Management Team. He holds the Finnish honorary title of Patenttineuvos (Patent Counsellor) and is a qualified European Patent Attorney.
Since earning his Master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1991, Folke has built on and deepened his expertise in the fields of electronics and telecommunications. He now specialises in patents in both these fields, as well as patent licensing and litigation. Folke has worked both for IP firms and in-house for Nokia Corporation, where he was Director of Devices IPR.
He regularly shares his expertise by speaking at conferences about the European and US patent systems, as well as about the international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Adding value to clients
Folke and his firm add value to clients through their extensive experience and deep knowledge of handling IP matters relating to pre-application matters (such as searches and FTOs). As Folke notes,
"We also add value to the application phase (drafting and prosecuting applications), and post-grant (such as oppositions and appeals as well as either proving infringement or rebutting infringement)."
He particularly enjoys helping to solve problems for clients, including recently successfully rebutting infringement accusations. Folke remarks, “I have had a few cases recently in which we at Papula-Nevinpat, together with the client, identified strong non-infringement arguments after receiving a patent assertion/claim chart from the patent holder.”
"I have had a few cases recently in which we at Papula-Nevinpat, together with the client, identified strong non-infringement arguments after receiving a patent assertion/claim chart from the patent holder."
As well as working with clients, Folke also gains insights into being a client in the patent process from his identical twin, who is not a patent attorney but an inventor. Folke shares,
"Intellectual property is in the family! My twin has got his name on his patents, while I draft and file them!"
Best practices to share with FICPI members and the importance of technology
Folke chooses two best practices to share with fellow members of the FICPI global community: developing the next generation of IP experts and harnessing technology to make the firm more efficient:
"We started Papula-Nevinpat’s patent attorney trainee programme in 2017, allowing our trainees to work with experienced and qualified staff to study and prepare for the Finnish patent attorney qualification exam."
He adds,
"The programme is also aimed at helping new joiners to develop their skills in the European sphere and we support participation in the European Qualifying Examination (EQE)."
Folke sees technology having a significant impact across many areas of IP attorney work. He says,
"Artificial intelligence will change our work in various domains, such as searches, drafting applications, and analysing office actions."
Indeed, Papula-Nevinpat has already begun harnessing AI by developing its own IP management software that automates the patent process, particularly the associated administrative tasks.
Value of FICPI membership
FICPI has been part of Folke’s professional life since 2011. He is currently an active member of the Practice Management Committee and was previously a member of the Study & Work Committee’s Group on IP Asset management.
At the core of the FICPI community are trusted global relationships and the shared belief that independent IP attorneys bring valuable external perspectives and a commitment to high-quality work.
These principles also run through Folke’s own appreciation of FICPI.
He reflects,
"I particularly enjoy meeting colleagues through my FICPI membership, and seeing the high degree of expertise of FICPI members from across the world."
Final word – outside of work
Folke is an avid outdoorsman throughout the seasons. He swims and participates in Masters swimming competitions, open-water competitions such as the Nordic Open Masters Championships, and events. Whilst in winter, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are his main hobbies.
When you next meet Folke at a FICPI event, put his linguistic expertise to the test by chatting to him in Finnish, Swedish, English, or German!
Education & training
• 1996: Admission as European patent attorney
• 1992: Admission as Finnish patent attorney
• 1991: M.Sc. (Electrical Engineering), Helsinki University of Technology
Professional background
• 2010 onwards: Partner at Papula-Nevinpat
• 1995-2010: Nokia Oyj
• 1991-1995: Berggren Oy Ab
