Vera Sevastianova

Vera Sevastianova is a doctoral researcher specializing in intellectual property (IP) law, with a particular focus on trademark law, new technologies, freedom of expression, and sustainability.

The key papers of Vera’s PhD project have applied the concept of autonomy to explore (1) how insights from trademark law can be integrated into the emerging landscape of automated commerce driven by artificial intelligence (AI), and how the purpose of trademark protection can be rethought in this context; (2) how small and medium-sized enterprises are affected by questionable concepts related to trademarks with a reputation, particularly tarnishment; and (3) how creators and the public at large can enjoy greater freedom of expression, including through trademark parodies, when such expression is conveyed through distinctive media such as apparel. 

Additionally, Vera has published on the topic of trademark rights in times of geopolitical crises, and she continues to explore the intersection of AI and IP rights, as well as issues of morality in IP law and personality rights.

In addition to her research, Vera teaches IP-related subjects at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. The disciplines include 'Fundamentals of IP Law' ('Trademark Law' module), 'IP Strategy for Business,' 'International and Comparative IP Law,' and 'Trademarks, Brands, and Sustainability.'

Vera has also served as a guest lecturer at UniArts Helsinki and Vilnius University in Lithuania. She has regularly volunteered as a tutor and judge for trainees at the IP Campus event organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), where she has also taught trademark law. Furthermore, Vera volunteers by giving presentations on IP law to broader audiences, including Finnish artists.