Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about IP practitioners on a personal as well as a professional level. This time we have Emanuela Bianco, partner at Saglietti Bianco in Italy
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
It always depends on the party! Anyway, I would say that I am a lawyer in the intellectual property field. I help protect innovation and communication.
Talk us through a typical working day.
Checking with my assistant the tasks for the day, and the goals that need to be reached; liaising with clients, colleagues, judges, juniors, and other professionals; focus on the new projects that we have in store in the office, and manage the firm.
What are you working on at the moment?
Some complex patent litigation cases at the Unified Patent Court, and a couple of new interesting projects to develop for the firm.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?
I usually juggle multiple things at a time.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
The most exciting aspect of my role is interacting with people and solving intricate problems presented by clients with apparently simple and possibly quick solutions. I am a problem solver. The most stressful aspect of my role is that you are never done. You can always do better, and you always need to be updated, so it is quite demanding.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
The key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner are to see the strongest and weakest points of your case and react consequently and consistently. Assess all factual details with an eagle-eye attention to detail, and understand both the client’s goal, and the specifics of each industry and company in a specific industry.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
That it is expensive and not easily enforceable.
What or who inspires you?
My kids inspire me every day and push me to do my best both personally and professionally.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a diplomat, travelling a lot.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Believe in yourself and trust your gut.
What is your motto in life?
Make the best of every situation, be thankful, and live fully.
