Two IPs In A Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us a text

We celebrate five years of IP conversations with a festive look back at the moments that shaped the show. From lockdown origins to Earthshot wins and live sessions at INTA, we share what we learned from judges, founders, and the quirks that make IP human.

• Launch during lockdown and early interviews with sole practitioners and Tim Moss - link to episode here.
• Judges’ perspectives with Sir Colin Birss (link here) and Sir Robin Jacob (link here)
• Seaweed innovation, Notpla’s Earthshot win (link here), and Seagrown’s journey (link here)
• Trade secrets, pub recordings, and Donald O’Connell’s insights (link here)
• Live podcasting at INTA from Atlanta to San Diego 
• Playful bants, jargon gripes, and crafting better closing questions 
• Plans for future guests, UPC debates, and interviewing AI 
• Personal holiday plans and a warm seasonal sign-off

Merry Christmas and amazing 2026!

Send us a text

Ever wondered who actually turns evolving case law and global agreements into the rules you use every day? We sit down with Heli Pihlajamaa, Principal Director of Patent Law and Procedures at the EPO, for a candid tour of how European patent law is shaped, tested, and delivered at scale. From examiner guidance to implementing regulations and user consultation, Heli opens the black box of decision‑making and shows how the system stays predictable while technology races ahead.

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

We're still in The Lamb London! Joining us in the pub this week we have new council members Debbie Slater and Will Burrell, to talk about how they came to join CIPA council and what they love about working with the institute. Also joining in is CIPA Head of Publications Iain Ross and podcast fan (and colleague of Gwilym's) Ollie Lam.

Send us a text

We're back in The Lamb London! Joining Lee and Gwilym in the pub for this episode is Donal O'Connell, Managing Director of Chawton Innovation Services.  Donal talks about his journey into IP and trade secrets, including what they are and why they are an important part of your IP portfolio.

Send us a text

The Pubcast is back! Coming to you from The Lamb London, on this first installment Lee and Gwilym are joined by Professor of Law at the University of Utah, Jorge Contreras and surprise guest, Duncan Matthews from Queen Mary University London. Over a beer or two, Jorge and Duncan talk about Jorge's new book, The Genome Defense, and discuss the epic court battle on the right to control our genes. Also in the episode they discuss the TRIPs waiver, the power of genes and who would play Jorge in the movie of his book!

The Genome Defense is available now!
You can sign up to attend the book launch here.

Send us a text

How can we use innovation to improve women's health, and can these inventions be protected by IP? Lee and Gwilym are joined by Kirsteen Beverloo, Cheif IP council at Elvie and Emily Collins, Partner at Kilburn & Strode to talk all about Femtech, female innovators, the gender gap within inventing and gender diversity in patenting. 

Send us a text

Are jokes and game show formats covered by intellectual property law? Stand-up comedian Ollie Horn joins Lee and Gwilym to talk about the intersection between IP and comedy. Ollie, who studied law at Oxford University before qualifying with a Masters in Intellectual Property Law, explores various areas of comedy...and puts up with our hosts' appalling jokes!

Send us a text

Pierre Paslier stumbled upon an alternative to single-use plastic while experimenting with seaweed in his kitchen. After raising investment from crowdfunding, his start-up company, Notpla, has grown into a game-changer for sustainable food packaging. Three months ago it won a £1m Earthshot Prize - after being nominated by CIPA. Pierre tells Lee and Gwilym his inspirational story.

Send us a text

For the profession EDI has been taking centre stage for a while now and we’ve seen some wonderful initiatives both from the Institutes, from IP Inclusive and from our many other friends and allies. Even so, sometimes, it can be difficult to identify what difference you, as an individual can make. Lee and Gwilym are joined by three charities In2Science, The Access Project, Generating Genuis and also Vanessa Stainthorpe from HGF and Laura Ramsay from Dehns who have been working with these charities. Tune in to find out about volunteering and  building opportunities for those in the EDI space and how firms can get involved!

You can access the webinar recording on the CIPA website.