Two IPs In A Pod

Send us a text On our last episode, we are stepping into the world of global intellectual property advocacy as we sit down with Margaret Polson and Lauren B. Emerson from the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) during the INTA conference in San Diego.

Send us a text Next on guest to join Lee and Gwilym in our San Diego Pubcast is Rob Jackson. Chair of CIPA's UPC Committee, takes us on a captivating journey from his unconventional entry into patent law to his passionate advocacy for UK patent attorneys' involvement in the Unified Patent Court system. With refreshing candor, he reveals how a suggestion from his mother, a legal secretary, and his childhood interest in what "Pat Pend" meant on Lego bricks eventually led him to a fulfilling career at Danes in London.

Send us a text Lee and Gwilym were joined by Michael McLaughlin, Patent Attorney at McLaughlin IP Pte. Ltd., for this INTA Pubcast special. Ever wonder what happens when engineering expertise meets international IP law across multiple continents? Michael's twenty-year journey from electrical engineer to Singapore patent firm founder offers a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of a global IP career.

Send us a text To start off our San Diego Pubcast special, Lee and Gwilym sit down with Vicki Salmon. Vicki never planned on becoming a patent attorney. While preparing for a career as an accountant after studying natural sciences at Cambridge, a chance conversation with a neighbor who happened to be a High Court judge changed everything. "I think you should have a look at patents," he suggested, introducing her to the profession that would become her life's work.

Send us a text This episode captures a fascinating conversation between UK and Canadian intellectual property experts exploring the unique challenges and innovations in their respective IP systems. The discussion dives deep into Canada's uncertain landscape for patentable subject matter, where inconsistent case law and examiner interpretations create significant headaches for businesses seeking protection. Unlike Europe's relatively settled approach, Canadian companies often face unpredictability that hampers strategic planning, as one guest puts it, sometimes patent outcomes depend on "the particular examiner's mood that day."

Send us a text Step into the fascinating world of global intellectual property protection with Charles Randolph and Brian Beckham from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). What begins as an annual update on WIPO's activities quickly transforms into a revealing conversation about the organization's far-reaching influence on the intellectual property landscape. Charles, who heads WIPO's industry and NGO relations, shares how the organization manages relationships with over 300 accredited associations worldwide, coordinating specialists, organizing events, and facilitating crucial connections across the entire IP spectrum. Meanwhile, Brian offers captivating insights into the evolution of domain name disputes since the internet's early days. As head of WIPO's Internet Dispute Resolution team, he explains how their work has shifted from handling simple domain squatters to combating sophisticated phishing campaigns and fraud, especially as AI tools advance.

Send us a text Alex Gray and Asa Le Fustec from RightHub join us to reveal how they're disrupting the IP management industry with their fresh approach. After spending decades navigating the limitations of legacy systems at companies like CPA Global, they decided to build something entirely new – a comprehensive platform that leverages modern technology to eliminate the inefficiencies that have plagued IP professionals for years.

Send us a text What happens when podcast hosts become the guests? This delightful crossover episode brings together the worlds of "Two IPs in a Pod" and INTA's "Brand & New" as we welcome host Willard Knox for a behind-the-microphone conversation about the art and craft of intellectual property podcasting.

Send us a text The upcoming INTA 2026 in London has us dreaming of pub quizzes, battle of the bands, and podcasting from double-decker buses, but before that excitement, we're diving into the world of intellectual property services with Andre Andrade and Emma Browning from RWS. These fascinating guests share remarkably similar stories of finding their way into IP through language skills, Andre as a Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French speaker who began as a trademark watcher, and Emma with her French and Italian background starting as a project manager. What's striking is how both have fallen in love with the IP industry, unable now to imagine working in any other field.

Send us a text Lee and Gwilym are joined in the Pod Box by Heather Steinmeyer, who shares how her journey to becoming INTA’s Chief Policy Officer began unexpectedly in 1980s New York publishing. There, she gained valuable exposure to content creators and author rights—experience that would later prove foundational to her IP career. Her fascinating trajectory, which includes time in both corporate and private legal practice before serving as INTA President in 2010, has equipped her with unique perspectives that now shape her comprehensive approach to global IP policy development.

Send us a text Lee and Gwilym have landed in San Diego for the INTA 2025 Annual Meeting! Elisabeth Stewart Bradley, INTA President and Vice President of Innovation Law: Trademarks, Copyrights, and Brand Protection at Bristol Myers Squibb, shares her journey from English literature major to IP lawyer, and how the organisation is evolving to support its members in a rapidly changing landscape. Her Presidential Task Force is focused on helping IP professionals adapt to technological disruption and showcase their value beyond what AI can offer.

Send us a text From helping Scotch Whisky manufacturers by protecting the name in Brazil to working on the IP aspects of the UK's Government's reset in relations with the European Union, the work of our IP Attachés is varied and complex. Lee is joined by his deputy Neil for this deep dive into the important world of global IP diplomacy and trade. Attachés responsible for Southeast Asia, China, Latin America, North America, Middle East, North Africa and India all dropped by to join the conversation. Since the podcasgt was recorded the US Copyright Office has issued the third and final part of its AI and Copyright Consultation report. Learn more about this vitally important IP network here.

Send us a text It's Mental Health Awareness Week and Lee and Gwilym are joined by Penelope Aspinall from the Jonathan’s Voice charity, along with Joanne Donaldson (HLK), Cathy Bailey (UK Intellectual Property Office) and Sally Bannan (Cytiva), for a powerful discussion on the vital mental health training that the charity provides for line managers in IP firms. The group explores how this training supports healthier, more compassionate workplaces—both from within an organisation and from the outside looking in—highlighting its real-world impact on teams and leaders alike. To access the numerous resources offered by Jonathan's Voice, visit their website: http://jonathansvoice.org.uk/

Send us a text The vital intersection between academia and real-world intellectual property practice takes center stage as Lee and Gwilym welcome Enrico Bonadio from City St George’s University of London. His unique journey from IP litigation in Milan to academic research and teaching offers powerful insights into how theoretical and practical perspectives on intellectual property complement each other. Bonadio reveals how his litigation background enriches his teaching by providing strategic perspectives on how IP rights are actually deployed. This practical foundation allows him to break down complex legal concepts into real-world scenarios that engage students and demonstrate IP's pervasive impact on daily life. Whether you're an IP practitioner seeking fresh perspectives, a student considering this field, or simply curious about how intellectual property shapes our world, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between academic exploration and practical application.

Send us a text Join Lee and Gwilym for an engaging conversation with Keven Bader, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Trademark Attorneys, who shares his personal journey in the realm of intellectual property. They discuss pressing issues, such as the increase of unusual trademark filings and the critical need for collaboration among professional organizations in the field. In a world where technology and innovation are constantly progressing, they emphasize the necessity of staying aware of emerging trends and preparing for the future. Don’t miss this chance to broaden your understanding of intellectual property and gain valuable insights from industry leaders.

Send us a text In this episode of Two IPs in a Pod, Lee and Gwilym are joined by Natasha Bamu from Barron Warren Redfern to explore the world of Trade Mark Genericide—what it is, how it happens, and the steps brands can take to prevent it. Plus, Gwilym puts a few word games to the test, with some unexpected results!

Send us a text Join us for an enlightening episode as we explore the multifaceted theme of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the patent profession. Hosted by Lee Davis and Gwilym Roberts, we are thrilled to have guests Greg Iceton and Alexandra Wood share their insights and experiences, shedding light on important EDI concepts and their impact on modern workplaces. In this episode, we unpack the difference between equality and equity, clearing common misconceptions and emphasizing their roles in fostering an inclusive culture. Our discussion dives into personal narratives highlighting social mobility challenges faced by professionals in the field. You'll hear how these experiences have shaped the EDI Committee's efforts to break the mold and take actionable steps to improve the landscape. We celebrate the strides made in council meetings and the evolving conversations surrounding EDI, as well as practical strategies organizations can implement to enhance their inclusivity efforts. The energy of this dialogue is complemented by a touch of humor, making what can be a sensitive topic both engaging and relatable for all our listeners.

Send us a text Our latest podcast episode dives into the intriguing journey of Tom Bridgewater, CIPA Honorary Informals Representative who transformed his physics and robotics expertise into a rewarding career in intellectual property. Tom shares valuable insights about the challenges of transitioning to IP, the importance of supportive training, and the role of organizations like CIPA in fostering community among members.

Send us a text Join Lee and Gwilym for an enlightening conversation with Ray Naughton from NEG8 Carbon, a pioneering force in the world of carbon capture technology. Ray takes us on a journey from a humble research project at Trinity College Dublin to a cutting-edge enterprise nominated for the 2025 Earthshot Prize. Ray and the peas discuss how innovations might reshape industries by turning captured CO2 into valuable products like strengthened concrete and the role intellectual property plays in maintaining a competitive edge. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology, personal impact, and the quest for a sustainable future.

Send us a text Join Lee and Gwilym as they welcome Lewis Parle, an IP insurance expert, who shares his fascinating journey into this niche field and helps unravel the complex, yet critical, aspects of insuring intellectual assets. They discuss the challenges of insuring against infringements, and the importance of asserting IP rights. From the challenges posed by Non-Practicing Entities in the IP landscape to the critical role of IP insurance in the creative and life sciences sectors, this episode covers all you need to know about the world of IP insurance!