My career story: Daria Alekseeva

I have a highly experienced mentor who guides me. With these people, it’s easy to learn, grow, and enjoy my work.

What have you studied, and why did you choose to apply to us?

I hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in infocommunication technologies and communication systems, with a major in fiber-optic communications. I then moved into wireless communication, focusing on mobile networks.

I also became involved in machine learning and applied it during my doctoral research. At the end of 2024, I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation at Tampere University, at the Faculty of Information Technologies and Communication Science.

A year ago, I joined Papula-Nevinpat and used my telecom and machine learning experience here to work on Computer-Implemented Inventions (CII). During my career in research, I authored and reviewed numerous scientific papers, and these skills now help me draft patent applications and conduct novelty searches.

I believe that intellectual property is a field that’s at the forefront of innovation, where research and business come together. Understanding complex ideas and drafting claims and descriptions is incredibly interesting and engaging.

What has been your most special and educational experience at Papula-Nevinpat?

Since I started working in IPR, I have been particularly impressed by how opposition proceedings are conducted. I had an opportunity to attend an oral hearing as a member of the audience. It was a process in which one company challenged another’s patent in an attempt to invalidate it. Each side was represented by an attorney who carefully crafted their logic and arguments, either in defense or in attack.

What is your funniest memory at Papula-Nevinpat?

I warmly remember how we celebrated Papula-Nevinpat’s 50th anniversary at Krapin Paja. It was great fun rowing the church boat, and the CEO, like a true leader, set the pace.

Can you describe your colleagues that you work with?

My colleagues are experts in IPR. They are always ready to help, share their knowledge, and foster a positive and collaborative working environment. I also have a highly experienced mentor who guides me. With these people, it’s easy to learn, grow, and enjoy my work.

What career expertise do you plan to develop next?

My next five-year plan is to pass the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) and become a qualified attorney.

Share your best tips for trainee candidates

Probably the best advice for those starting their careers is to be curious and not to be afraid to ask questions.

My dream profession as a child

In elementary school, I wanted to be a teacher like my mother. By middle school, however, I had already firmly decided to become an engineer. There’s a running joke that patent attorneys are a kind of engineer, too.

Hobbies & free time:

I love traveling and sports. In summer, I’m into bikepacking and hiking, and I always seek out new routes. I love cycling. I’ve participated in Tour de Pirkka and rode 138 km around Näsijärvi. In winter, I enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing. Besides that, I’m into yoga and knitting.