Her Story
About Milena
Milena Sukovic, B.S.E.E., J.D., LL.M., is an accomplished intellectual property professional with more than two decades of experience spanning engineering, patent law, and intellectual property strategy. She currently serves as Intellectual Property Rights Manager at Adeia, where she evaluates patent portfolios, identifies licensing opportunities, and supports the commercialization of innovative technologies. Drawing on her combined technical and legal expertise, she helps organizations protect, manage, and maximize the value of their intellectual property assets while aligning legal strategy with business objectives. Sukovic began her career in 1994 as a telecommunications engineer at Motorola after earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Boston University. Inspired to bridge the gap between technology and law, she earned a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Before joining Adeia in 2022, she served as Standard Essential Patents Portfolio Manager at Lenovo and practiced as a patent attorney, representing clients ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 100 companies. Throughout her career, she has advised on patent prosecution, portfolio management, licensing, litigation support, due diligence, and commercialization across diverse technologies, including telecommunications, software, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and medical devices. Known for her professionalism, resilience, and collaborative approach, Sukovic attributes her success to self-confidence, perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a positive outlook throughout her career. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals, encouraging them to lead with integrity, build meaningful relationships, and approach every challenge with determination and optimism. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has contributed to her community through pro bono legal work, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and volunteer leadership supporting educational initiatives. Her commitment to innovation, ethical leadership, and service continues to define her impact within the intellectual property profession.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Milena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to believing in myself, working hard, maintaining a positive outlook, and persevering through challenges. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on my goals, refused to let negativity define my path, and embraced persistence even while balancing the responsibilities of being a single mother. I believe that confidence, determination, and resilience have been instrumental in helping me achieve both personal and professional success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to always conduct yourself with professionalism and integrity. Build strong relationships by recognizing the humanity in those you work with, demonstrate good character in every interaction, and remain positive even when faced with challenges. Work hard, collaborate with others, and focus on solving meaningful problems. Professionalism, respect, and teamwork will open doors throughout your career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in intellectual property law is that portions of the profession remain male-dominated, and many traditional legal positions continue to require demanding work schedules. At the same time, there are significant opportunities as remote work provides greater flexibility and improved work-life balance. Continued innovation across industries is also creating new opportunities to build, manage, and license intellectual property portfolios while supporting emerging technologies and expanding business growth.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in demonstrating good character, treating others with respect, and contributing to the betterment of society through my work. I strive to lead by example through professionalism, compassion, integrity, and collaboration. Whether working with colleagues, clients, or my community, I believe in putting good into the world, supporting others, and using my knowledge and experience to create meaningful, positive outcomes.
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