INSIGHT epi - The podcast for European patent professionals

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, including the role of women inventors, researchers and European patent attorneys. The conversation explores key findings of the report, looks at geographic and technological differences across Europe, the representation of women in leadership roles within the IP ecosystem, and possible measures to encourage greater participation of women in innovation and the patent profession.

Credits:
Host: Sam Pittis
Produced by WHS Learning

Music 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 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative Commons 0Musical Ambient - I (Piano).wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/697879/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


Disclaimer:
The views expressed are solely those of the podcast participants and may not reflect the opinions of epi or the guest speakers' organisations.

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 profession. They also talk about the dedicated DEI Committee, outlining its mandate, role within epi’s governance structure, and the objectives it seeks to pursue.

Credits:
Host: Sam Pittis
Produced by WHS Learning

Music 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 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative Commons 0Musical Ambient - I (Piano).wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/697879/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


Disclaimer:
The views expressed are solely those of the podcast participants and may not reflect the opinions of epi or the guest speakers' organisations.

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.
 
 

Credits:
Host: Sam Pittis
Produced by WHS Learning

Music 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 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative Commons 0Musical Ambient - I (Piano).wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/697879/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


Disclaimer:
The views expressed are solely those of the podcast participants and may not reflect the opinions of epi or the guest speakers' organisations.

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: https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2
https://information.patentepi.org/issue-3-2025/the-epo-approach.html

Credits:
Host: Sam Pittis
Produced by WHS Learning

Music 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 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative Commons 0Musical Ambient - I (Piano).wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/697879/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


Disclaimer:
The views expressed are solely those of the podcast participants and may not reflect the opinions of epi or the guest speakers' organisations.

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 the EPO strategic plan: https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/office/strategic-plan-2028/driver-2
https://information.patentepi.org/issue-3-2025/the-epo-approach.html

Credits:
Host: Sam Pittis
Produced by WHS Learning

Music 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 -- License: Creative Commons 0, Dunes by Andrewkn -- https://shorturl.at/noG35 -- License: Creative Commons 0Musical Ambient - I (Piano).wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/697879/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


Disclaimer:
The views expressed are solely those of the podcast participants and may not reflect the opinions of epi or the guest speakers' organisations.