INSIGHT epi - The podcast for European patent professionals
INSIGHT epi is the official podcast of the European Patent Institute (epi), the professional body representing European Patent Attorneys. It offers behind-the-scenes insights into the field of patent law, covering topics relevant to epi members, students, and EQE candidates. The podcast aims to engage listeners with discussions on pertinent issues in the European patent system.
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Dyson v Dreame: The UPC’s First CJEU Referral | UPC e14
15 July 2026 | In today's episode, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek explore the UPC Court of Appeal's referral to the CJEU in Dyson v Dreame. They discuss the unresolved question of the UPC's long-arm jurisdiction, the role of authorised representatives as potential anchor defendants, and the implications for cross-border patent enforcement. The episode also places the referra
Staring into the AI abyss
1 July 2026 | In this episode, Bastian Best and Rose Hughes discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the patent profession. They explore whether AI represents an existential threat or simply another technological shift, separating legal-tech hype from reality and examining where today's AI tools genuinely add value - and where they still fall short. They also consider what these devel
Penalty payments and enforcement at the UPC | UPC e13
17 June 2026 | In today’s episode, Tilman Pfrang and Bart van Wezenbeek discuss the Court of Appeal order in Kodak v. FujiFilm (UPC_CoA_699/2025), which has become the leading authority on penalty payments and enforcement before the Unified Patent Court. They explore the Court’s guidance on penalty orders, compliance periods, forfeiture proceedings, burden of proof, evidentiary requirements, enf
The New Transparency Rules for Clinical Trials in the EU: Navigating Regulatory Disclosure and Patentability at the EPO and UPC
20 May 2026 | Today's episode is a special one because we are crossing disciplinary boundaries. Anja Fux talks with Eva Ehlich, Manja Epping and Christoph Behm about the intersection of regulatory transparency requirements and patent law in the field of clinical trials. During the episode, we also mention the upcoming hybrid seminar “Freedom to operate”, taking place on 17 June 2026. You c
Creating an IP-aware culture: The art of communication in patent matters
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
AI in patent drafting: Guardrails, not shortcuts
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 chall
G1/25: The description reckoning
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 upcomin
The Malta problem | UPC e12
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
Women and IP
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, inclu
Meet the DEI Committee
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 pro
The UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction | UPC e11
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.
AI at the EPO: Learning from the best (Part 2)
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 andthe technology section of the EPO strategic plan: https:
AI at the EPO: Learning from the best (Part 1)
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 andthe technology section of the EP
Insights into M1: A new module for the new EQE
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
Inventive Step at the Unified Patent Court | UPC e10
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 U
London calling: Case law unwrapped
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
G 1/23: What do we know?
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 reproducibilit
UPC Case Law 09: The long-arm effect of the UPC
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 e
Election to Council 2026
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 PittisProduce
G 1/24: Heated aerosol
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in th
AI in patent practice: A reality check
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
UPC Case Law - Episode 8
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: Sa
Building a stronger profession: The Candidate Support Programme (CSP)
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, a
Upcoming webinars: UPC Case Law on validity
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 matte
UPC Case Law - Episode 7
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen
Voices from the epi Student Summit
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
Patent Information Professionals and their certification (QPIP)
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
Innovation commercialisation: Multiple paths to profit
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 fo
Keeping it confidential: Client-attorney privilege
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used
Preventing accidental loss of rights: Meet the OCC
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
UPC Case Law - Episode 6
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn --
UPC Case Law - Episode 5
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Cr
Preparing for the EQE 2025
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In T
UPC Case Law - Episode 4
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 PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic 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 --
2025: An epi Presidium's perspective
15 Januar 2025 | In this first episode of our podcast this year, epi President Peter Thomsen and epi Vice-President Katerina Hartvichova give an overview of the most important topics for epi and the profession in 2025. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by A
UPC Case Law - Episode 3
18 December 2024 | This is the third episode of a series on UPC case law, in which Bart van Wezenbeek, Tilman Pfrang and Christopher Stothers talk about the role of third party interests in UPC proceedings.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewkn -- ht
epi guidelines: Use of generative AI
11 December 2024 | This (special) edition of our podcast is about a topic that will have a lasting impact on the way we work: Artificial intelligence. Martina Stork and Timothy Powell talk about the epi's recently published guidelines for using generative AI. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- Licens
Meet the IP Commercialization Committee (IPCC)
04 December 2024 | In this episode, Hans Blöchle and Angela Quinlan are talking about one of the youngest epi committees, but one that deals with a topic that is as old as patents themselves: Commercialization. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andrewk
Mental health and the patent profession: Dealing with deadlines and the pressure to perform
20 November 2024 | In this last episode of our short podcast series on mental health and the patent profession, Sally Bannan, Tarik Kapic and Penelope Aspinall are talk more about two aspects that have been identified as especially stressful: managing deadlines and dealing with the pressure to perform.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn
Mental health and the patent profession: European Qualifying Examination
06 November 2024 | In this second episode of our short podcast series on mental health and what it has to do with our profession, Sally Bannan, Tarik Kapic and Penelope Aspinall talk about the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The
Mental health and the patent profession: General aspects
23 October 2024 | This episode is the first in a three-part series on a delicate topic in our profession. Penelope Aspinall, Sally Bannan and Tarik Kapic talk about general aspects, such as stressors and prevention. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In The Forest by Andr
UPC Case Law - Episode 2
09 October 2024 | This is the second episode of a series on case law coming out of the UPC. This time, Bart van Wezenbeek and Tilman Pfrang will dive deep into some decisions where the question of inventive step played a major role. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Road In T
40 years of epi information
03 October 2024 | This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 40th anniversary of our members' journal, 'epi Information.' For four decades, this publication has been an important resource for the profession. Together with Dieter Speiser, Renate Schellenberg, Marc Nevant and Sadia Liebig, we'll explore its history and take a closer look at how each issue is put toget
UPC Case Law - Episode 1
11 September 2024 | This is the first episode of a series on case law coming out of the UPC. After a general introduction, Bart van Wezenbeek and Tilman Pfrang look back on the past year of orders and decisions, focussing today especially on preliminary measures. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/ekqz1 -- License
EPAC: About the European Patent Administration Certification
31 July 2024 | In this episode, Sara Morabito and Francis Leyder talk about the European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC). They discuss the purpose of the certification, its strategic importance, the content and technology of the upcoming exam - and how to prepare for it. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.
Training offered by the epi
July 17 2024 | In this short episode, we would like to give you a few pointers on our own behalf. Jacqueline Kalbe, Barbara Riffert, Noreen Osterlehner and Samantha Adam from the epi Secretariat want to draw your attention to the training programmes for EQE candidates and members of the profession. Published 17 July 2024.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode:
Meet the Professional Education Committee
July 3 2024 | In this episode, we deal with one of epi's most important and visible committees: the Professional Education Committee, or PEC for short. Julia Gwilt and Tarik Kapić will talk about its history, its composition, its main tasks and the main challenges it has faced in recent years. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn --
New EQE: Being a supervisor
19 June 2024 | Most EQE candidates appreciate any support they can get, especially as the new system still raises new questions for everyone involved. This episode is aimed at supervisors: Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir and Nina Ferara talk about what you can do and should know as a supervisor - and what kind of support the epi offers for EQE candidates.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS Lear
New EQE: The papers in detail
5 June 2024 | What is actually assessed in each paper? What kind of questions can you expect to be asked? How long will the exams take? And how will they be marked? In this fourth episode of our five-part series on the new EQE, Nina Ferara and Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir reveal details about the new examination papers.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Li
One year of Unitary Patent
31 May 2024 | The 1st of June, 2023 was the start of what we call for short the Unitary Patent or UP and the Unified Patent Court or UPC. In this episode of "Insight epi", we take a look back at the first year of the UP. The conversation takes place between Francis Leyder and Manolis Samuelidis from epi with EPO representatives Heli Pihlajamaa and Stefan Luginbuehl.Credits:Host: Sam
Transition from the old to the new EQE
22 May 2024 | Gradual introduction of the new EQE, gradual restriction of the old one, creditability of results between the systems: This episode looks at the transition that will take place, particularly in the years 2025-2027 - and the options open to candidates from the old and new systems.Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic used in this episode: Listen by Andrewkn -- https:
Overview of the new EQE: Registration and enrollment
08 May 2024 | When can or may the various papers be written? When to choose the "Gradual Mastery Track" or the "Intensive Exam Track"? By when do you have to register? In this second episode of our five-part series on the new EQE, Nina Ferara and Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir talk in particular about the time organisation. Credits:Host: Sam PittisProduced by WHS LearningMusic u
Breaking the mould: From old EQE to new EQE
24 April 2024 | A competency-based and completely digitalised approach, five modules, the opportunity to write your first paper after just one year of experience... In this first (of five) episodes, Nina Ferara and Anna Valborg Guðmundsdóttir talk about the fundamental changes that the new European Qualifying Examination will bring from 2025 - and how the redesign of the exam came about. Credits
NGT plants: A controversial European proposal
09 April 2024 | The epi raises significant concerns and strongly advocates the need for a thorough impact assessment before legislative measures are considered: In this episode, Simon Wright and Brigitte Carion-Taravella talk about the latest developments in the EU regarding the patenting of plants - in particular plants derived using new genomic techniques (also known as NGT plants) - and the
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