INSIGHT epi - The podcast for European patent professionals

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...

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...

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. Y...

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...

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 chal...

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...

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...

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,...

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 p...

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.  ...

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: ht...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 explor...

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 reproducibil...

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...

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 Pro...

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...

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 Ja...

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:...

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 inclusi...

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...

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: Lis...

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 Studen...