Biography • Life Sciences - Regulatory, IP

Ella is head of the intellectual property group and life sciences group in Finland.

Ella has gained extensive experience in intellectual property (IP) and life sciences law, including licensing, assignment, supply and distribution agreements; M&A-related IP agreements; patent, trademark and design litigation; customs seizures; and regulatory proceedings concerning pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals among others.

In addition to her Finnish law degree from the University of Turku in 1995, Ella has a US master's degree (LLM) in intellectual property law from the George Washington University Law School where she studied as a Fulbright Scholar in 1997-1998.

Apart from working at law firms since 2001, Ella also has experience as a university lecturer and researcher focusing on patenting of biotechnological inventions and as a lobbyist for the Finnish industry.

Ella has served as a member of the national Copyright Council (Tekijänoikeusneuvosto) and Employee Inventions Board (Työsuhdekeksintölautakunta). She has also participated in legislative work as a member of legislative committees reforming the Design Act and Trademark Act in Finland.

She is currently the chairperson of the board of the Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights and has served as board member in other IP associations as well, including the Finnish AIPPI group and Finnish Information Technology Law Society.

Ella is a well-known practitioner in the market and is highly acclaimed by rivals and clients. She was also listed in the inaugural editions of the Best Lawyers 2009 and Best Lawyers 2010 for Finland in the field of intellectual property. IAM Patent 1000 2012 noted 'Much-admired IP generalist Ella Mikkola is credited with bolstering the firm's profile in litigation and licensing.'