All episodes

This episode outlines a systematic approach to international business development for law firms, specifically focusing on IP practices. It argues that successful cross-border business development requires a shift from sporadic networking to a disciplined, evidence-based operating model that includes clear positioning, consistent content delivery, and ongoing measurement. A central theme is the importance of platform cooperation with entities like IPBA Connect and the IP Business Academy, which can accelerate traction by providing editorial quality assurance, structured distribution across various channels, and access to curated audiences. The episode details core principles such as signature positioning, cadence and consistency, and using proof...

International market entry requires more than commercial readiness. Legal systems, enforcement mechanisms, and cultural differences fundamentally affect how intellectual property can be protected and leveraged abroad. Companies that treat IP as an afterthought often face loss of exclusivity, blocked trademarks, or limited enforcement options once they enter foreign markets.

This contribution outlines how IP strategy should be integrated into market entry planning from the outset. It highlights typical challenges when expanding internationally and explains how companies can structure their IP decisions to support sustainable growth across jurisdictions.

The episode provides an extensive white paper on systematising referral marketing specifically for IP experts, acknowledging that while referrals are the most trusted route to new engagements in the field, they are often unsystematised. It asserts that due to the IP context, which includes confidentiality, conflict checks, and the need for proven expertise, reputation forms in closed circles where precision beats reach. The episode outlines core principles, such as being referable, not merely visible, and ensuring proof precedes advocacy, by engineering three levers: clear positioning, consistent proof assets, and structured relationship rituals. Finally, it presents the IP Subject Matter Expert...

The episode explains why scale-ups must shift from ad-hoc IP management to a continuous IP management system that grows with the company. It highlights the common gap between rapid technological expansion and insufficient internal IP processes, which leads to missed patenting opportunities, know-how leakage and unnecessary infringement risks. It describes how continuous IP management embeds invention disclosure, documentation and protectability checks into regular development cycles, supported by clear roles and communication between engineering, management and IP/legal teams. The episode shows how linking IP assets to product features and business goals strengthens investor confidence. Finally, it illustrates these principles with case...

The episode provides an extensive white paper on the strategic necessity of personal and expert branding for professionals in the IP field. It explains that traditional methods of gaining recognition are no longer sufficient, emphasising the critical role of digital visibility and a strong online presence for building client trust and market differentiation. The episode outlines core principles for successful branding, including authenticity, focus, and consistency, and details various digital channels and content formats, such as LinkedIn, expert blogs, and webinars. Furthermore, it introduces the IP Subject Matter Expert Model facilitated by the IPBA Connect platform, which offers a structured...

This episode provides an extensive overview of the complex regulatory environment surrounding (IP licensing transactions, arguing that these deals must be managed with an integrated view of finance, law, and international policy to create sustainable value. It details the critical importance of understanding tax implications, including withholding taxes and transfer pricing, and complying with stringent competition law and antitrust considerations to avoid market partitioning or price fixing. Furthermore, the episode addresses the necessity of correct accounting treatment and revenue recognition according to standards like IFRS and US GAAP, alongside ensuring compliance with crucial export control and sanctions regulations. Finally, it...

This episode gives an overview to litigation of trade secrets, which focuses on the legal protection of confidential business information. The episode establishes that trade secrets are often a company's most valuable IP, distinguished from patents and trademarks because their protection depends on active management rather than public registration. The core topic is trade secret litigation, which is presented as an essential legal mechanism for defending these assets against theft, misappropriation, and unauthorised disclosure, thereby safeguarding a company's innovation and market position. The episode also highlights related topics, such as the three-part test for defining a trade secret, legal options...

Most companies create IP to support their own products—not to license it out. Yet, as Sonja London, Founder of Fearless IP and former President of LES International, explains, out-licensing can become a powerful growth lever when timing, value, and culture align. In this episode, we explore her pragmatic framework for identifying out-licensing opportunities hidden in your own portfolio: technologies tied to discontinued products, internal tools with external relevance, or assets that no longer fit your core strategy. Sonja’s four tests—value, transferability, usability, and protection—help decide what’s truly licensable. We also look at how organizational culture and enforcement posture shape your...

Operational IP management is presented as a vital discipline for industrial companies facing today’s fast-paced and competitive markets. Unlike traditional IP approaches that focus mainly on legal aspects, this concept integrates IP decisions directly into daily business processes, product development, and corporate strategy. It stresses the importance of protecting inventions early to safeguard product features and reduce legal risks across the product lifecycle. The approach also recognises the challenge of managing large IP portfolios and calls for regular reviews and a strategic focus to ensure commercial value. By embedding IP considerations into operational workflows, companies can align innovation with protection,...

This sector, encompassing biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, faces high development costs, long timelines, and significant risks when bringing innovations to market. Patents offer a limited-time monopoly, allowing companies to recoup massive research and development investments and fund future discoveries. This episode underscores how IP acts as the economic engine for this industry, encouraging innovation and attracting necessary investment.