Speakers

Palle Ydstebø

Lieutenant Colonel

Norwegian Military Academy

Lieutenant Colonel Palle Ydstebø is faculty advisor at the Norwegian Military Academy. His military training includes The Royal Norwegian Air Force Technical School, The Norwegian Military Academy and The Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College. He holds a MA in history from The University in Tromsø and a Ph.D. in War Studies at The University of Glasgow.
Ydstebø has served at various posts in the The Royal Norwegian Air Force, The Corps of Engineers, The Army Headquarters, National Intelligence Service and the Command and Staff College. He has also served in Afghanistan, in Germany and with the UN Mission in South Sudan.

Ivar Fjeldheim

Captain of Innovation

Autostore

Ivar Fjeldheim has been with AutoStore since 1997 and has been a key contributor to the development of the AutoStore system, a cube-based solution used in warehouses across more than 65 countries worldwide. With a background in electronics and software, Fjeldheim also has experience in finance and education before joining AutoStore. Fjeldheim has authored technical textbooks in network technology, systems analysis, and cybersecurity. Fjeldheim has completed leadership training at Chalmers University of Technology, MIT, and Harvard, with a focus on “Managing Global R&D and Innovation.” Fjeldheim’s portfolio includes over 100 global patent assets across more than 30 distinct invention families. His work focuses on system-level thinking, ensuring that robots, grids, and environmental controls function as a single, high-performance organism.

Key breakthroughs in his portfolio include:
Single-Cell Robotics: Fjeldheim pioneered the design of compact, “single-cell” container-handling robots. These robots can operate as close as 4mm from one another, maximizing grid density and throughput.
Split-Body & Remotely Operated Vehicles: His flagship patents define the architecture for remotely operated storage vehicles that glide across X/Y rails. His “split-body” design has become a global standard in robotics prior art, amassing industry-leading forward citations.
Intelligent Grid Systems: Beyond the robots, he developed the “relay modules” and rail architectures that allow for seamless movement, storage, and retrieval across massive three-dimensional frameworks.
System Stewardship: His inventiveness extends to the critical safety and environmental layers of automation, including patented fire detection systems, gas-isolated storage, and even regenerative energy harvesting for sustainable warehouse operations.
Vertical Farming Extensions: Applying his logistics expertise to agriculture, Fjeldheim has patented stackable growth modules that utilize automated retrieval logic for large-scale vertical farming.

In 2025 The Distinguished Innovator Award recognizes Fjeldheim for the massive societal and industrial scale of his work. His patented systems underpin automated warehouses used by global giants, enabling faster logistics and more reliable supply chains. By moving beyond incremental improvements to create a holistic, patented ecosystem of robots and infrastructure, Fjeldheim has established Norway as a global hub for robotics innovation and secured his legacy as a titan of automated technology.

Dan Sørensen

Co-Founder & Legal Innovator

SAGA AI

Dan Sørensen is a multidisciplinary professional who bridges the gap between complex legal frameworks and cutting-edge technology. He is educated as both a technologist and a lawyer, holding a Master’s in Computer Science and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Oslo. This dual foundation defines his approach to innovation in the legal industry.
Before practicing law, Dan had an extensive career in the technology industry. His experience spans the development and management of tech ventures and the leadership of complex IT projects. He founded an e-commerce venture for the Nordic market, giving him firsthand experience in building and scaling technology to meet real-world business needs. Additionally, he served as a project leader for a Norwegian ministry, where he managed the implementation of an innovative e-voting solution within a highly regulated environment.
Building on this technological expertise, Dan transitioned into the legal profession, spending several years as a lawyer in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) field at one of Norway’s most respected corporate law firms. During this time, he developed deep, practical expertise specializing in drafting and negotiating complex IT contracts, technology licensing, and navigating regulatory issues related to data and privacy protection. This period provided him with a firsthand understanding of the challenges that arise when digitalization meets traditional legal frameworks.
Dan’s strategic insight later led him to the role of Chief Digital Officer within the same firm. He spearheaded the firm’s digital transformation, strategically using data and technology to modernize legal service delivery. He is a recognized voice in the legal tech community and an experienced public speaker, lecturer, and panelist on law and technology-related issues, trends, and future prospects.
Today, as a Co-founder and Legal Innovator at Saga, Dan applies his rare blend of technological and legal expertise to build an AI platform specifically designed for legal professionals. His work is driven by a human-centric philosophy, focusing on the interplay between AI as a tool for efficiency and the human lawyer as the responsible expert.

Marianne Frydenlund

Vice President

Avanci IoT

During her career, Marianne has gained a unique in-house perspective on IP-related business practices within the wireless ecosystem.

At Avanci, she is developing and leading new licensing solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) beyond the automotive industry. During 2023, Marianne launched the Avanci 4G Aftermarket, Avanci 4G Smart Meter and Avanci 4G EV Charger programs, all of which include dozens of licensors and several initial licensees.

Marianne joined Avanci from Nordic Semiconductor, where she was most recently Senior Vice President, Legal & Compliance, with responsibilities including patent licensing activities, concluding several ground-breaking agreements. Earlier in her career, Marianne worked for Huawei Technologies, Nexans Norway AS, Equinor and Aker Solutions where she focused on legal issues associated with technology-related commercial transactions.

A graduate of the University of Oslo School of Law, Marianne chaired the Board of the Norwegian Company Lawyers Association (NCLA) for 4 years where she was involved in their mentoring programs aimed at helping women advance in business and technology-related careers. Marianne is among the IAM Strategy 300 and one of World IP Review’s 2023 Shining Lights, recognizing influential women in intellectual property. In 2024, Managing IP recognized Marianne as one of 50 most influential people in IP.

Sonja London

Founder

Fearless IP

Sonja London is a global business leader, founder, board professional and advisor focused on how intellectual property creates tangible commercial value.
Her work centres on IP monetisation, licensing strategy, patent and technology licensing, SEP/FRAND frameworks, negotiations and board-level IP strategy. She approaches intellectual property as a business instrument that shapes revenue, negotiation dynamics, market access, partnerships, competitive positioning and long-term value creation.
She is the founder of Fearless IP, a boutique advisory practice supporting companies that require senior, commercially grounded guidance in complex licensing and monetisation situations. Her work includes assessing licensing potential within portfolios, designing and executing licensing programmes, evaluating patent transactions and structuring practical strategies around SEP and FRAND matters. The focus is on situations where legal, technical and commercial considerations intersect and require tailored, experience-based judgement.
Her career spans more than 20 years of international leadership, including senior licensing and legal roles at Nokia and TactoTek. Her responsibilities have covered global patent licensing programmes, licensing strategy and operations, business intelligence, contract management and business development, with extensive experience in high-value negotiations across multiple regions and industries.
Sonja London is particularly focused on helping companies move from passive IP ownership to structured, active monetisation and licensing strategies. This often involves translating complex IP questions into practical decision frameworks, negotiation positions, commercial options, governance models and execution plans that can be applied by boards and business leadership teams.
In addition to her advisory work, she is active in board roles, serving in Helsinki Innovation Services (University of Helsinki TTO) as board chair and as board member in Kesla Oyj (material handling and defence technology) and SolidComp Oy (digital twin SaaS).
Sonja London is the Past President Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) and LES Scandinavia and is recognised in IAM Strategy 300 global ranking. She is a frequent speaker and author on IP monetisation, licensing programmes, SEP/FRAND strategy and technology commercialisation, with a particular interest in the intersection of intellectual property, licensing and business strategy.

Wendela Hårdemark

Partner

Bird & Bird Stockholm

With almost 20 years of experience, I provide strategic advice and represent clients in litigation involving patents, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and unfair marketing practices. I work with innovative companies across life sciences, medtech, and creative industries, helping them navigate complex disputes and maximise the value of their intellectual property.

Clients turn to me for pragmatic, results-driven guidance — whether enforcing rights, defending against infringement claims, or developing strategies to protect and commercialise intangible assets. My combined legal and technical expertise enables me to work seamlessly with engineers, scientists, and other specialists in high-stakes disputes.

Beyond dispute resolution, I assist clients with licensing, portfolio management, developing long-term IP strategies, and regulatory matters.

I also contribute to the development of IP law through academic publications, lectures, and leadership roles. I currently serve as President of AIPPI Sweden, and remain active in SFIR and EPLAW.

My Education

Masters of law degree, Stockholm University (2005)

My Admissions

Admitted to the Swedish Bar Association in 2013 and again in 2018 (withdrew from the Bar to work with STIM 2016 – 2018).

Åsa Hellstadius

Expert, Member of the Swedish Bar, Doctor of Laws (LL.D)

Vinge Law Firm, Sweden

Åsa Hellstadius is an expert in intellectual property law and marketing law at Vinge law firm in Stockholm, Sweden. She also co-heads Vinge’s Life Science & Health practice. Åsa’s diverse practice includes clients in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, media, design, retail and automotive. She acts in complex patent, copyright and marketing disputes and has represented clients in Swedish courts and in the Court of Justice of the European Union. She also provides advice across the entire Life Sciences chain, with a particular focus on IP agreements and the marketing of pharmaceutical products. Åsa is the author of several books on intellectual property law and is an associate professor at Stockholm University.

Dr. Tobias Wuttke

Partner

Bardehle Pagenberg

Dr. Tobias Wuttke is an attorney-at-law who specializes in national and cross-border patent litigation. Influential rankings confirm his reputation as one of Germany’s leading patent litigators. His expertise stems from hundreds of patent infringement and validity court proceedings. Tobias was at the forefront of the UPC since day 1 of this new court and actively participated in over 30 UPC proceedings. He advises blue chip companies acting on a global level, innovative SMEs, and start-ups in the areas of telecommunications (SEPs in particular), medical technology, automotive, and life sciences.

Kathrine Myhre

Director General

Norwegian Industrial Property Office

Kathrine Myhre has been Director General of the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) since January 1, 2021. She has also been the Deputy Chair of the National Export Council from start to its end in December 2025.
Prior to joining NIPO, she was CEO of Norway Health Tech, Norway’s largest health cluster, which she initiated in 2009. Norway Health Tech was awarded NCE status (Norwegian Centre of Expertise) in 2015, received Gold Label status from the European Cluster Excellence Initiative in 2016, and was recertified in 2018.
She also initiated and served as Chair of the Board of Norway’s first health incubator, Aleap, from 2016 to 2020, and was awarded the HIMSS Future50 European Achievement Award in 2019.
She is today representing Norway in EPO (European Patent Office) and WIPO (UNs organization for intellectual property), and are collaborating extensively with «likeminded» IPOs, specifically in the Northern (incl Canada), Nordic-Baltic and European area.

Collette Rawnsley

Head of IP Policy & Advocacy

Nokia

Collette Rawnsley is Nokia’s Head of IP Policy & Advocacy. She is driving Nokia’s regulatory strategy and engaging with decision and policy-makers globally to promote and protect the value of Nokia’s IP assets. Collette has extensive experience of providing strategic advice and guidance on regulatory matters across the EU and beyond, especially concerning standard essential patents and FRAND licensing.

Pål André Larsen

Company Lawyer

Jotun

Pål André Larsen is a Company Lawyer at Jotun A/S, specializing in global trademark strategy, IP portfolio management, and brand protection. He advises on international licensing and technology agreements and has extensive experience handling trademark enforcement and cross-border IP matters.
Prior to joining Jotun, he gained nine years of experience working with international trademarks at the Norwegian Industrial Property Office.

Tone Solbakk

Senior Legal Counsel

Schibsted Media AS

Tone Solbakk is a Senior Legal Counsel at Schibsted Media, one of the leading media groups in the Nordic region. She advises across intellectual property, media law, technology, and innovation. She has played a central role in shaping the legal aspects of Schibsted’s AI strategy and AI-related initiatives, and regularly advises on the legal implications of artificial intelligence, including AI training, licensing, content use, and the evolving relationship between AI developers and rights holders. Before joining Schibsted, Tone worked as a lawyer at the Norwegian law firm Schjødt and served as a deputy judge. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Oslo.