World IP Day: The big ideas shaping IP's fastest-moving fields

What's really driving the next wave of IP? To mark World IP Day, we asked the specialists leading EIP's five focus areas, Uniphy, Ampliphy, Stratiphy, Codiphy and Quantiphy, to share what's changing in their field and what's coming next.

What is one emerging client expectation or behaviour that you believe will redefine how we deliver UPC strategy over the next year?

Michael Nielsen, Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Uniphy

As the UPC matures, clients increasingly expect their advisers to operate as a genuinely joined‑up team, rather than in silos. All but the most straightforward cases require lawyers and patent attorneys working closely together, aligning technical and legal strategy for a case, as well as effective cross‑border coordination. EIP is already exceptionally well placed for this, with our long history of joined up work between litigators and patent attorneys and our excellent teams in Germany, the UK, and Sweden working together to achieve the best outcomes in complex cases. We will continue to strengthen our internal collaboration so that we can offer the highest quality UPC advice and representation to our clients.

From your perspective, how is the broader conversation around IP changing, and what opportunities does this create for how we communicate EIP’s value to the world?

Andrew Thompson, Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Ampliphy

There is a better appreciation of the role IP plays. More people in business understand that IP is not just a legal right, but a tool to help drive value. This sits perfectly with EIP's strategic approach to IP, and our expertise in high value and complex patent matters.

What is one strategic shift in how companies are using IP to drive business value that you think everyone should be paying attention to this World IP Day?

Gareth Probert, Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Stratiphy

One shift is the growing IP awareness in life science start‑ups and scale‑ups compared to the past. These innovator companies have a more positive attitude to IP, recognising that a well-planned IP portfolio is essential in attracting future investment and deals, alongside with a transparent FTO position.

AI continues to accelerate across industries. What is one way you see technology fundamentally improving how we work with IP in the next 12 months?

Ben Maling, Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, Codiphy

Patent drafting and prosecution are especially good use cases for generative AI, in that they involve reviewing and preparing large volumes of complicated text. In my view, the models have recently passed a threshold where they are capable enough to help us attorneys find meaningful efficiencies without sacrificing the quality of our work. To make the most of this, we'll need to be open to new ways of working and to reassess where we can add value. There is good reason to believe the counterintuitive notion that this new role in which we will find ourselves will in fact be more fulfilling and enjoyable than the one we've got used to.

What metric, trend, or insight about global innovation has surprised you most recently, and what does it tell us about where IP is headed?

Gemma Martynwood, Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Quantiphy

There has been a huge push from governments to invest in quantum technologies, and the scale of recent UK government funding for quantum has been a (pleasant!) surprise. This positive funding climate should translate into a ramping up of IP generation within the quantum space. For quantum enterprises, a well thought-out IP strategy that considers not only their own activities but also those of their competitors will be ever more important as we start seeing more quantum tech being brought to market.

The big picture

Five areas, five perspectives, one clear message. IP is moving faster, working harder and mattering more than ever. Whether it's AI reshaping how patents are drafted, start-ups building IP into their growth story, or governments fuelling the next quantum leap, the opportunities ahead are considerable. EIP will keep helping clients turn them into lasting value.