MWA - Merlin Wright Associates

Our Director, Kieron Wright, recently had the opportunity to speak with longtime contact Simone Frattasi, Head of Global IP with Maersk, regarding his co-founding of the initiative IP4ET. Over the course of their conversation, they explored the origins of IP4ET, the challenges and opportunities in making IP more sustainable, and practical steps IP professionals can take to contribute. Resources, research, and guidance are available via the IP4ET website here.

A Question of Impact

Simone traces the starting point of the IP4ET idea back several years, when corporate carbon neutrality targets began to accelerate. In 2022, he began examining the relationship between IP operations and sustainability, prompted in part by Maersk’s evolving plans to become carbon neutral. Where the original target had been 2050, the company began prioritising a significantly faster transition.

This shift prompted a practical review of what could be done within his own remit. Simone explains that he began considering what an IP team could realistically contribute to the company’s sustainability priorities, both in terms of internal operations and the broader role of IP within sustainability efforts.

Through a connection facilitated by a mutual contact, Simone was introduced to Fabrice Mattei, Head of Patents and Sustainability at Rouse and now Co-Founder of IP4ET. Fabrice had developed an internal tool designed to calculate the carbon footprint associated with IP operations.

This sparked a broader reflection on the limits of individual action within a carbon-intensive industry. Simone explains that he asked himself what difference one team could realistically make, and concluded that scale would be essential. That realisation led to the central idea behind the initiative: “Then I had the idea – what about if we pull together the whole IP ecosystem? Then maybe we aren’t negligible anymore.” From there, discussions began with Rouse around creating an IP charter and establishing a structured initiative.

Building a Sustainable Initiative

IP4ET launched with eleven core companies, deliberately forming a defined group rather than an informal network. Simone explains that the founding members worked together to establish shared objectives following discussions across different organisations within the IP ecosystem. The initial focus was on examining IP operations and identifying where meaningful decarbonisation might be possible, including estimating emissions and defining processes to mitigate them.

There was also an ambition to influence the wider environment in which IP operates. Simone notes that collective engagement across the community could create greater leverage with patent offices and governments, particularly in encouraging incentive mechanisms that support the energy transition.

Early membership was curated carefully. Simone explains that the first invitations were extended to individuals he believed would genuinely engage with the initiative, ensuring participation reflected real commitment. While unsolicited applications have begun to arrive, Simone remains focused on the initiative’s long-term resilience, emphasising that it must ultimately become self-sustaining rather than reliant on a small number of individuals. “Progress is always ongoing. I am not satisfied yet in the sense that I want it to grow more in terms of members, and to see it more self-contained so that it creates progress on its own,” he adds.

Broadening the Sustainability Lens

Simone highlights a recurring constraint in the profession’s approach to sustainability: incremental improvements within IP operations alone are insufficient to address the wider environmental footprint. Efficiency matters, but it does not, on its own, resolve the broader challenge.

He also points to the commercial tension that complicates implementation.  Clients often expect competitive pricing while also seeking cleaner technologies and more responsible operations. That tension, he suggests, makes it “a very difficult business model to create,” particularly where environmental improvements are expected without corresponding investment.

Education is another barrier. Although sustainability has become a frequent topic of discussion, very few professionals know how to translate it into practical action. Many do not even know where to start. For Simone, this uncertainty reinforces the need for structured guidance and shared benchmarks. IP4ET is designed to help bridge that gap, providing a framework through which the profession can move from general ambition towards clearer, coordinated implementation.

Defining Success

When asked how he would measure success, Simone focuses on tangible outputs. Beyond membership numbers, he considers progress and demonstrable results as the key indicators. Examples include developing an algorithm to identify carbon emissions or creating a licensing model adapted for energy transition technologies. Achieving these milestones within 2026 would, he notes, be a significant step forward.

Looking further ahead, Simone envisages developing a toolkit for members, increasingly aligned with ISO standards. If IP4ET can deliver measurable results, the scope of the initiative can expand accordingly.

Where to Begin

For IP professionals who have not yet engaged deeply with sustainability, Simone references the work of Prof. Frank Tietze at Cambridge, and the resources available on the IP4ET website, including articles from Rouse. He also recommends reviewing the Sustainable Development Goals on the United Nations website to understand the broader global framework. The emphasis, he stresses, is on accessibility and steady progression.

Recruitment and the Role of AI

The conversation also touched on recruitment. Sustainability may not always feature in job descriptions, but Simone sees value in integrating the topic into interview discussions. AI is another consideration. Its use across IP processes has a significant impact on efficiency and, potentially, on environmental footprint. Simone notes that “Almost everyone uses AI at different levels. There is a huge effectivization with respect to administrative work, for example.” IP4ET is reflecting on how to address AI within its Charter, including prioritising deployment where it delivers meaningful benefit and encouraging conscious, proportionate use.

A Collective Direction

We greatly look forward to continuing our contributions to the IP4ET initiative, and we extend our thanks to Simone for sharing his insights. We are also pleased to note the upcoming IP4ET in-person meeting in London on May 7, which we look forward to attending and where we hope to meet fellow members and continue the conversation.

The broader message of the discussion was clear. Sustainability within IP requires structured thinking, credible tools, and coordinated effort. Individual action may feel limited in isolation; collective alignment across firms, corporates, and advisors creates greater potential for meaningful impact.

IP4ET continues to develop that collective framework, offering resources, guidance, and a growing community for IP professionals who wish to integrate sustainability into their work in a considered and commercially grounded way.