What is your academic and professional background?
I’m a Brazilian-qualified lawyer focused on commercial law, cross-border transactions, and IP/technology agreements across the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and Europe. Over the years I’ve negotiated and structured service, licensing, and collaboration deals for multinational clients, often coordinating with local counsel and aligning legal terms with business goals. I’m active in the International Bar Association and currently complement my practice with advanced studies that keep me current on international IP and licensing trends, and also in taxes.
Why did you choose to participate in the IP Licensing Transactions summer program?
I wanted to deepen my understanding of licensing from a global perspective. Bucerius offers a unique blend of academic excellence and practical insight, which perfectly complements my professional path.
How did the Berlin Study Trip contribute to the learning experience in the program?
The Berlin Study Trip connected the classroom to the broader European policy and innovation environment. Seeing how regulatory thinking, competition policy, and tech entrepreneurship intersect in practice helped me contextualize licensing strategies for fast-moving sectors. It also sparked great peer discussion - translating theory into practical choices around FRAND, open-source compliance, and data/AI-driven business models.
What new knowledge are you going to put into practice?
I’ll immediately apply more nuanced approaches to grant scopes (field-of-use, territory, and sublicensing), improvement rights and grant-backs, and royalty design (including audit and reporting mechanics). I’m also integrating clearer open-source governance into diligence and post-deal compliance, and refining negotiation playbooks for data/AI licensing scenarios.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during the summer program?
Academically, the most interesting part was seeing how similar licensing principles are adapted across industries - software, life sciences, and creative - each with distinct risk profiles and deal levers. Personally, the international composition of the students and professors was eye-opening: hearing how colleagues approach the same clause from different legal cultures sharpened my judgment and broadened my toolkit.
What was most surprising about studying abroad at Bucerius and in Hamburg?
How pragmatic the teaching is - faculty brought real negotiations and current market practice into the room. And Hamburg itself surprised me with how livable it is: green, orderly, and full of culture, yet relaxed enough to make deep conversations with classmates feel effortless after class.
Who would you recommend the program to?
Early-career lawyers, in-house counsels, tech transfer professionals, and business/legal hybrid roles (BD, product counsel) who need to structure and negotiate cross-border IP deals.
You had visited Hamburg before, how did you like spending three weeks here?
Yes, I had been before to Hamburg on a short trip and returning there was a great experience. Spending three weeks let me go beyond the highlights and get a rhythm - morning classes, late-day study sessions, and evenings around the Alster or discovering new corners of the city. I made time for the Elbphilharmonie and neighborhood walks, and even short escapes to places like Helgoland and Sylt, which were perfect resets between intensive modules.
Is there anything else you would like to share with future international students at Bucerius?
Arrive curious and make the most of class hours and peer study groups - the group is a huge asset. Plan small weekend explorations (Hamburg rewards wandering), bring a light rain jacket, and don’t be shy about networking - faculty and classmates are generous with their time.
Horacio, thank you for the interview.
