06 May 2026 | In today's episode, Michael Thesen talks with European Patent Attorney and IP strategist Farnaz Massoumian about building an IP‑aware culture through effective communication. Drawing on her “Rosetta Stone” analogy, Farnaz explains how patent professionals translate innovation between technology, law, and business, tailoring messages for inventors, business leaders, and senior executives. The conversation highlights why storytelling is more powerful than lectures in IP education, ho...
May 06, 2026•23 min
22 April 2026 | In today's episode, Michael Thesen speaks with Bastian Best about the use of generative AI in patent drafting, following Bastian's article in epi Information 1/2026 and a recent epi webinar. They discuss the risks of “1-click” tools, the “filled page problem,” and four guardrails to keep attorneys in control—from defining strategy upfront to using AI as a critical challenger. The episode also touches on confirmation bias in AI-generated summaries and the limits of AI in early-sta...
Apr 22, 2026•19 min
8 April 2026 | In today's episode, Gabriele Mohsler and Cristoph Schober discuss referral G 1/25 regarding the adaptation of the description after the amendment of claims. They examine the different stakeholder perspectives in the tension between legal certainty and administrative burden, touch upon the scenarios outlined in the Board's preliminary opinion, and point toward the upcoming oral proceedings on May 8th as the next key milestone in this ongoing legal debate. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis ...
Apr 08, 2026•19 min
25 March 2026 | In today's episode of Insight epi, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek discuss recent UPC developments, including a Court of Appeal decision on the so‑called Malta problem , confirming that certain older European patent applications cannot obtain unitary effect. The discussion also touches on the UPC’s growing body of case law emphasizing strict procedural discipline, tight deadlines, and the expectation that parties present complete arguments and evidence at an early stage of t...
Mar 25, 2026•19 min
11 March 2026 | In this episode, Nina Ferara talks with Victor Arribas , Stream Leader for Diversity and Transformation at the EPO's Observatory on Patents and Technology and Marc Nevant , Chair of epi 's DEI Committee, about the report “ Advancing Women in STEM ", recently published by the EPO. They discuss the participation of women in science, innovation and the patent system, including the role of women inventors, researchers and European patent attorneys. The conversation explores key findi...
Mar 11, 2026•34 min
25 February 2026 | In this episode, Fatema Sardharwala , Gabriele Honecker and Marc Nevant explore what Diversity, Equity & Inclusion means for epi and the profession beyond the usual narratives. The discussion focuses on structural questions rather than symbolism: access to the profession or whether epi ’s bodies reflect the full range of member states and different generations within the profession. They also talk about the dedicated DEI Committee, outlining its mandate, role within epi’s ...
Feb 25, 2026•15 min
04 February 2026 | In today's episode, Tilman Pfrang and Elvira Bertram , UPC representative and attorney at law, are returning to a highly debated topic: the UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction. They explore how the logic of BSH vs. Electrolux has been transferred to more complex — and sometimes borderline — scenarios, and what this evolving case law means for litigation strategy before the UPC. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https:/...
Feb 04, 2026•15 min
14 January 2026 | In the second part of our conversation on AI at the European Patent Office, Michael Thesen and Åsa Ribbe , Principal Director at the EPO, take a closer look at operational implementation and quality control. More information: The EPO’s AI policy: https://link.epo.org/web/about-us/transparency-portal/en-epo-ai-policy.pdf and the technology section of the EPO strategic plan: https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2 https://information.patentepi.org/issu...
Jan 14, 2026•22 min
17 December 2025 | In this episode, Michael Thesen talks with Åsa Ribbe , Principal Director at the EPO, about how artificial intelligence is developed and used at the European Patent Office to support patent search, classification and examination. More information: The EPO’s AI policy: https://link.epo.org/web/about-us/transparency-portal/en-epo-ai-policy.pdf and the technology section of the EPO strategic plan: https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2 https://informa...
Dec 17, 2025•14 min
03 December 2025 | In this episode, Julia Gwilt , chair of the Professional Education Committee (PEC) for epi and Liz Elmhirst , an epi member of the EQE examination committee, discuss paper M1 which will be held for the first time in 2026. Both trainers and trainees will benefit from understanding how this new paper fits into the new EQE. The new EQE was designed to provide a graduated pathway to qualification. Like the second part of paper F, paper M1 tests the practical skills of analysing cl...
Dec 03, 2025•36 min
19 November 2025 | In this episode, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek are taking a closer look at how the Unified Patent Court is dealing with inventive step. Five decisions and five different shades of analysis. From strict problem-solution reasoning to more holistic, incentive-based tests. See how inventive step is evolving across the divisions – and what that means for strategy under the UPC. Case 1: decision of 22 November 2024; UPC_CFI_239/2023 Case 2: decision of 4 April 2025; UPC_CFI_5...
Nov 19, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Insight epi , Michael Thesen and Howard Read discuss the key takeaways from the EPO Boards of Appeal Case Law Seminar held on 30 October 2025 in London. The conversation covers G 1/24 on claim construction, G 1/23 on reproducibility, the use of AI-based evidence (T 1193/23), new approaches to inventive step and burden of proof, and stricter procedural standards. They also explore the growing harmonisation between the EPO and the UPC and what these developments mean for daily p...
Nov 05, 2025•39 min
22 October 2025 | A product on the market — but no recipe to make it. Is it still prior art? For more than thirty years, G 1/92 offered only a brief answer and left key issues unresolved. In this episode, Howard Read , Gianni Masciopinto , Rose Hughes and Jim Boff discuss how the Enlarged Board’s new decision G 1/23 finally clarified what counts as public availability — and how far reproducibility really matters. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: List...
Oct 22, 2025•30 min
07 October 2025 | In today’s episode of our series on UPC case law, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek explore how the Unified Patent Court has interpreted and applied long-arm jurisdiction following a landmark decision of the European Court of Justice. We’ll look at how the UPC has responded, what it means for cross-border enforcement, and how recent cases have tested the boundaries of this evolving legal landscape. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode...
Oct 08, 2025•18 min
24 September 2025 | The epi Council election takes place every three years – digitally, securely, and with real impact. We ask: What does the Council do? Who can stand for election? And why should you care? In this episode, we speak with Peter Thomsen and Markus Müller , who explain why the election matter – and how you can help shape the future of the profession. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- Lic...
Sep 24, 2025•14 min
10 September 2025 | In this episode if Insight epi , Howard Read talks with Rose Hughes and Gianni Masciopinto about decision G 1/24 of the Enlarged Board of Appeal, focusing on claim interpretation under Article 69 EPC in the assessment of patentability and the extent to which the description and drawings must be taken into account. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road ...
Sep 10, 2025•29 min
23 July 2025 | Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere – it paints pictures, composes music, even builds entire apps. And yes, it also writes patent claims and applications. But what does that mean for our profession? How is AI changing the way we work, the responsibilities we carry, and how we see ourselves? In this episode of Insight epi , Johannes Schmid talks to Bastian Best and Jan-Christian Schütte – two colleagues who’ve gone hands-on with this technology. Credits: Host: Sam Pit...
Jul 23, 2025•42 min
09 July 2025 | In this episode, Bart van Wezenbeek and Tilman Pfrang talk about second medical use patents. They explore how the UPC handled novelty and inventive step without the EPO’s traditional PSA, and what it means for proving infringement under a purpose-limited claim. Finally, they flag the high stakes, cost caps, and the likely appeal that could set future UPC precedent. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl...
Jul 09, 2025•21 min
25 June 2025 | This episode tells the story of the Candidate Support Programme (CSP) - an initiative to support EQE candidates across Europe. CSP coaches Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir , Renata Osolnik , Katerina Hartvichova , Oana Boncea and CSP participants* Katerina Smiljkovikj , Bostjan Japelj , Ana Maria Petculescu and Marta Szczygieł share how the CSP helps overcome barriers, fosters inclusion, and strengthens the patent profession. Discover what it means to join — or support — the next gener...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
11 June 2025 | Two years into the life of the Unified Patent Court, a growing body of case law is emerging – particularly on patent validity. In this episode, we look ahead to epi’s upcoming three-part webinar series on substantive UPC case law. Tilman Pfrang joins us once again to walk us through the structure and focus of the series – from claim interpretation and inventive step to added matter, clarity, and sufficiency Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this epis...
Jun 11, 2025•9 min
28 March 2025 | In today's seventh episode on UPC case law, Kim Finnilä and Tilman Pfrang discuss two fundamental aspects of the UPC Agreement: the representation before the UPC, and the transitional regime concerning opting out of the exclusive jurisdiction of the UPC and the withdrawal of such an opt-out. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -...
May 28, 2025•14 min
14 May 2025 | Three voices, one shared experience. In this episode, Sophie Bergmann , David Falla and Margaret Mackett speak with Nina Ferara about the first epi Student Summit: what surprised them, what stayed with them, and why events like this matter — especially in times of change. From real conversations to lasting connections, this is about learning beyond the syllabus. The next epi Student-Summit takes place on 27 June 2025 in Munich. Open to all EQE candidates with epi student membership...
May 14, 2025•18 min
29 April 2025 | The quality of a patent or an entire IP strategy depends very much on the quality of the information behind it. This is when Patent Information Professionals or ‘searchers’ come into play. What types of searches do they conduct? How do you know that a searcher has the necessary expertise and experience? Bart van Wezenbeek speaks with Carla Scorsini and Bettina de Jong about the profession and about the QPIP certification. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music u...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min
16 April 2025 | Intellectual Property (IP) isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s a foundational asset that every business should take seriously from the very beginning. In this episode, Claudia Duffy , Vilija Viešūnaitė , Juozas Nainys and Donatas Keras discuss how IP and its protection shape long-term value, support innovation, and help avoid costly mistakes. This episode also sets the stage for our upcoming seminar “Innovation commercialisation: Multiple paths to profit” on May 9, 2025. Cred...
Apr 16, 2025•29 min
02 April 2025 | In this episode, epi president Peter Thomsen talks about the client-attorney privilege for European Patent Attorneys. What information is protected in the context of discovery proceedings? What are the limits of confidentiality? And what influence does the relevant legal situation have at national and international level? Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, R...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min
19 March 2025 | Electronic communication with the EPO is convenient and easy. For the most part. But what if a system doesn't work properly, perhaps resulting in a loss of rights? Or if a user journey is so simple that irrevocable facts are created pressing a single button? This is where the EPI's Online Communications Committee (OCC) comes in. In this episode, John Gray , Benjamin Grau , Felicita Banzhaf and Ulrich Harbach talk about the OCC's work. If you have feedback or suggestions, don’t he...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min
05 March 2025 | In this episode of our podcast series on UPC case law, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek talk about the issuance of anti-anti-suit injunctions. Another topic dealt with is confidentiality. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/jrJT8 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min
19 February 2025 | This time, Bart van Wezenbeek and Tilman Pfrang are revisiting a critical topic: Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) under the UPC framework. Recent UPC rulings have brought new clarity to SEP enforcement, licensing, and negotiation practices. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/jrJT8 -- License: Creative...
Feb 19, 2025•19 min
05 February 2025 | In this episode, Margaret Mackett and Nina Ferara talk about preparing for this year's European Qualifying Examination (EQE). The epi supports epi students and candidates with tutorials, mock papers and more. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/jrJT8 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- ...
Feb 05, 2025•25 min
22 Januar 2025 | In this fourth episode of our series on UPC case law, Bart van Wezenbeek and Tilman Pfrang talk about infringement by equivalence and the principle of bifurcation. Credits: Host: Sam Pittis Produced by WHS Learning Music used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/jrJT8 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative ...
Jan 22, 2025•17 min
