Romanian firm leader: ‘breakthrough ideas come at unexpected times’

Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about intellectual property practitioners on a personal and professional level.

This time, we meet Raluca Vasilescu, co-founding partner of Cabinet M Oproiu in Romania.

Drafting patents, defending or attacking patents. As simple as that.

I prefer doing the difficult things in the morning: technical aspects of the expert reports for court or for litigation. Then, by order of difficulty, come the office actions, including patent drafting and management issues. This includes discussions with my team.

Breakthrough ideas often emerge at unexpected moments – while driving, during conversations, or even during leisure activities. When inspiration strikes, I've learned to capture it immediately, whether by returning to my computer to document the concept in detail or simply jotting notes in my trusty old-fashioned paper notebook.

Patent mining for a very creative client. A lot of partially related ideas that need to be squeezed into a handful of patent applications.

Usually, I am juggling multiple things. But sometimes a big piece of work takes priority. I concentrate on that piece of work, temporarily setting aside all the other matters. I have trained myself to do that; it doesn't come naturally and requires considerable discipline.

Creation is by far the most exciting aspect. I am creative by nature – in my free time, I adore painting. Watercolour is my preferred technique. Creation means not only patents, defending or attacking them, but also giving ideas to the inventors, as well as advising on the best patent strategy.

The most stressful aspect is coping with multiple tasks of equal priority.

Creativity, discipline, resilience and enjoying the work. Genuine enjoyment of the work ties all the other elements together.

‘IP is expensive’ is the most common misconception. The point is that it is partially correct. However, not having IP at all is far more expensive in most cases.

I have always admired intelligent people. Therefore, I am inspired by some of our inventors who are really brilliant, as well as by some of the patent attorneys with whom I work, and by my entire team who closely support me.

Painting watercolours. I have decorated my office with them (see photo), including the meeting room.

Be more patient. Great victories and great inventions do not come overnight, but through calm, perseverance, and long-term vision.

Never give up.