Meet Ekaterina, our Intellectual Property & Licensing Administrator who plays a vital role in safeguarding innovation at VUB TechTransfer. Since joining the team in June 2025, she has brought a meticulous approach to managing patent lifecycles. Read on to learn about how she's making an impact.
What is your role at VUB TechTransfer?
I am an Intellectual Property (IP) & Licensing Administrator.
What are your main responsibilities in this role?
I am primarily responsible for maintaining and updating the VUB IP databases, tracking critical prosecution deadlines, and liaising with inventors, agents, and partners. My tasks include namely:
✓ processing invention disclosure forms;
✓ preparing formalities of patent applications;
✓ coordinating filings with patent offices;
✓ managing formal documents such as declarations, powers of attorney, assignments;
✓ tracking deadlines for office actions, responses, examiner communications, payment of annuities;
✓ sending reminders and ensuring timely actions to avoid loss of rights;
✓ handling invoices.
I also prepare status and financial reports for ongoing cases, ensuring that all necessary information is available to enable the IP manager to make well-informed decisions regarding the protection and valorisation of research results.
How long have you been with VUB TechTransfer?
I started in June 2025.
Recently, you successfully achieved your European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC). Congratulations! How does your new expertise translate into tangible benefits at VUB TechTransfer?
Thank you for your congratulations! EPAC qualification is issued directly by the European Patent Office, which gives it exceptional credibility. It signals that your knowledge meets an established, high-standard benchmark approved by the main European patent authority. The holder of the EPAC qualification is capable of managing complex patent files correctly and independently. It increases efficiency and minimises errors in tech transfer and IP administration. By employing well-trained IP professionals, VUB Tech Transfer shows its commitment to delivering high-standard services helping inventors to protect their innovations, attract partnerships, drive revenues, and overall to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the university’s role.
What is the project you are most proud of at VUB TechTransfer?
I love working with numbers, and I value that my role is central to monitoring costs, identifying inefficiencies, and drawing the IP Manager’s attention to opportunities for optimising VUB’s out-of-pocket patent expenses.
What is an ideal day off for you?
My ideal day off starts with sleeping as late as I want, followed by a softly cloudy sky and a gentle rain falling throughout the day. I sip coffee with my husband, unhurried, with nowhere I need to be and nothing I need to do.
Last but not least, we have to know, what is your favorite invention of all time?
My favourite invention is the Post-it Note. Originally born from a “failed” adhesive, it was patented for being weak rather than strong—an entirely counterintuitive idea at the time. Post-it Notes went on to revolutionise reminders, organisation, and brainstorming. On a more personal note, they are also our favourite way for my husband and me to leave little love notes for each other.
