PETOŠEVIĆ PEOPLE: Q&A with Monica Viciu

Based in our Bucharest office, Associate Monica Viciu handles clearance and prosecution of patents before the Romanian IPO and WIPO. Monica has over 15 years of experience in the patent field, with a focus on chemical and pharmaceutical patents. We asked Monica about her work, her pastimes, the music she likes, and much more.

1. How did you start your career in IP?

   I started my career at the first privately owned Romanian company in the IP field established after 1989. I was in my last year of university at that time and knew nothing about IP. They were looking for a chemical engineer for their patent team, and so my journey began. This company was a very good starting point because I met my mentor there, a very experienced and dedicated IP professional who shared her vast knowledge with me, for which I will be forever grateful.

2. What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

   There are many challenges, but they keep me occupied and never bored!

3. What do you most enjoy doing at work?

   I like my colleagues and working in the multicultural environment.

4. What would you be working in, if you weren’t working in IP?

   Chemical engineering, most likely.

5. What was the first job you’ve ever had?

   Teaching music at a high school in my hometown. I enjoyed this job. Music is all around us — concerts, shows, TV, radio, even singing in the shower.

6. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

   I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I have two young kids and a loving husband. When time allows, we like to travel and experience new places. We share a passion for skiing, so in the winter we spend as much time as we can on the slopes.

7. What book did you read last?

   “The History of Bees” by Maja Lunde.

8. What is your favorite song/music at the moment?

   “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John.

9. What is your favorite dish of all time?

   Baked camembert with honey and salad.

10. If you could meet anyone in the world, from the past or present, who would it be and why?

    I would like to meet Napoleon because I love French history and culture and because I was fascinated by his alleged ability to do multiple things at once. I can multitask with simple things, such as cooking, listening to music and talking on the phone, but when it comes to work, I like to be focused on one thing at a time.

11. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

    Chemistry. As a kid I loved doing experiments in the school lab. Later, what made chemistry interesting was its applications in everyday life, such as adding just the right amount of lemon juice to fish or using vinegar to remove limescale. I also had a great music teacher who inspired me and taught me to appreciate music as an art.

12. What did you want to be when growing up?

    When I was a little kid I wanted to be a “guest”. Whoever visited our house seemed to have a wonderful time and whenever we visited family friends we had the best of times. That’s why this seemed to me like a dream occupation I should pursue.

13. Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.

    I am very shy so I usually don’t reveal too much about myself. I love handcrafts, making things with my hands. I am good at school projects, at least for second and third graders.

14. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

    Painting — seems to be very relaxing, but I was never good at it.

15. What is your biggest frustration about the world around you?

    It is worrying that we seem to be divided, like we lost a common focus or goal. But I still have faith in humanity.

16. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

    Change is good if done right and with the right focus.

17. What do you wish you could have told yourself at age 13?

    Be more flexible and trustful. Learn more, be optimistic about the future. Enjoy yourself more!

18. What cities/countries have you lived in?

    My father worked in the army, so when I was a kid we moved a lot across the country. Apart from Bucharest, we also lived in Miercurea Ciuc and Câmpulung Muscel in central Romania. The city where I grew up and lived for over 18 years is Predeal, a beautiful mountain resort and the highest town in Romania.

19. If you could live in another country of the 30+ countries where PETOŠEVIĆ operates, which would you pick and why?

    Croatia — I love its stunning Adriatic coastline.

20. If someone came to your city for 24 hours, where would you take them?

    In Bucharest there are many nice places to visit and things to do, from museums and historical buildings to fine dining. Outside Bucharest, Romania offers amazing, pristine views.