Susanne Somersalo PhD

Biography

For the last decade, Susanne has worked as a patent practitioner with a focus on chemical, biotechnology, agricultural and mechanical patents. During this time, she worked as a foreign associate for a Finnish firm, taking care of US applications, and coordinating foreign filings, as well as providing various surveys and analyses relating to patenting. Before her career as an attorney, Susanne acquainted herself with the commercialization of immaterial rights at Licentia Ltd, a company specializing in licensing for the University of Helsinki.

In addition to a major Finnish paper industry company, Susanne represents European start-ups, small businesses and universities. Her clients are located within Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Italy, Russia and the UK. Her clients appreciate her connection to Europe and her more European approach to business solutions. Susanne truly listens to her clients’ business needs in order to help develop patent and trademark strategies that will fulfill her clients’ goals and objectives. Her greatest joy is seeing that her clients’ business has grown and succeeded.

Susanne’s experience is within preparing and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications in the areas of chemistry, biology, medical devices and mechanics. She has prosecuted patents and advised clients in paper and pulp, paints and coatings, protein production systems, antimicrobial solutions, nutritional additives, cancer diagnostics, small molecules, cosmetics, medical devices, plant growth enhancing systems, last meter delivery systems, parcel storage and delivery systems, lighting devices, and consumer products. In addition to her patent practice, Susanne has experience in trademark prosecution.

Susanne stays active within the Finnish community through the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce NYC, Finlandia Foundation, Business Finland, and Finnish Consulate.

Susanne has a PhD in plant physiology from the University of Turku, a Master of Intellectual Property Law degree and a law degree.

In addition to English, Susanne is fluent in Finnish, and she has conversational abilities in Swedish and German.