Five minutes with… Johan Åberg, Lindahl

Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?

I usually say I'm an IP lawyer specialising in copyright and contract law. Essentially, I’m the person who makes sure that when you create something amazing, like the next hit TV show, software, or a groundbreaking app, nobody else can claim it as their own. Think of me as a bodyguard for your ideas.

Talk us through a typical working day.

A typical day kicks off with a large cup of coffee and a deep dive into my inbox. After triaging emails, I move on to work group meetings and client meetings. The latter can range from helping a media company negotiate a new contract to advising a tech startup on copyright issues.

Afternoons are for drafting agreements, legal research, and occasionally, a heated debate with opposing counsel. I wrap up by reviewing the day’s work, planning for tomorrow,

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m knee-deep in a copyright infringement case involving a popular software. On the side, I’m helping a tech client finalise contracts for a new artificial intelligence (AI) product. Each case is like a puzzle, and I love piecing together the best strategy for my clients.

Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?

It’s a balancing act. Major projects often take centre stage, but I’m always juggling multiple things. It’s like being a plate spinner in a circus—one eye on the big plate, while keeping all the others in motion.

What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?

The most exciting part is definitely winning a case or successfully negotiating a contract that makes a big difference for my client. It’s like scoring the winning goal in a championship game. The most stressful? Deadlines, deadlines, and more deadlines. And the occasional client who thinks you have a magic wand to solve their problems instantly.

Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.

You need an eagle eye for detail, the analytical skills of a chess grandmaster, and the creativity of a novelist. Plus, a healthy dose of patience and the ability to explain complex legal jargon in plain Swedish (or English). A sense of humor helps too—especially when dealing with eccentric clients or unusual cases.

What is the most common misconception about IP?

The biggest misconception is that once you have a copyright or a contract in place, you can just sit back and relax. In reality, it’s more like owning a garden - you have to constantly tend to it, watch for weeds (or infringers), and occasionally put up a fence to keep out the rabbits.

What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by the creative colleagues I work with at Lindahl. Their passion and innovation drive me to be the best guardian of intellectual property. And my late mentor, who taught me that being a great lawyer isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about understanding people and their dreams.

If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?

If I weren’t in IP, I’d probably be in the tech world, maybe developing new gadgets or apps. Or, I might have tried my hand at being a screenwriter—there’s something thrilling about storytelling and creating worlds out of words.

Any advice you would give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to dive into the deep end and explore different legal fields before you find your niche.

Also, remember that work-life balance is crucial—make time for your hobbies and don’t let the stress get to you. And, invest in a good coffee machine - it’s a lifesaver!