As IP Inclusive closes their 2023-2025 business plan which focused on Allyship, and celebrate 10 years of IP Inclusive, they will reflect on what they have learnt from their series of allyship events and present “10 Actions for Active Allyship.”
The panel will bring together representatives from all six of the IP Inclusive communities to identify practical steps for being a good ally. The discussions will be based on their 2024 Allyship Guidelines, to which all the communities contributed, and they’ll use the outcomes in the next Guidelines update.
The event will be hosted by Carpmaels & Ransford in London and online. There will be an opportunity for networking afterwards.
Meet the panel
Chair – Helen Smith, IP Inclusive
Helen has been working on the IP Inclusive executive team since September 2022. She compiled its 2024 Allyship Guidelines based on the input provided by each of the IP Inclusive communities. Previously, she worked as a patent attorney for 19 years, before taking some time to focus on family and other interests. She has recently qualified as a counsellor.
IP Ability – George Lucas
George Lucas is a patent attorney at EIP in London working primarily in the Life Sciences sector. He was diagnosed at 11 years old with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. He is passionate about EPO oppositions, the importance of neurodiversity, and Dungeons & Dragons.
IP Futures – Doug Jayatilaka
Doug sits on the IP Futures committee, which offers networking and support for those building their careers in IP, from early-stage to mid-level professionals (typically within the first 10 years), in all IP-related roles. As an Ally, he is keen to spread the word of IP Inclusive’s Allyship Guidelines, and to support allyship across the IP profession. Doug is an Associate at Powell Gilbert, working predominantly in patent litigation.
IP & ME – Bea Malacart and Lianne Da-Cunha
Bio to follow shortly on Bea.
Lianne is a trainee patent attorney at Forresters, and is currently in the process of qualifying as a UK and European patent attorney. After completing her master’s in Engineering at the University of Cambridge, she now works in the Technology and Engineering division. Lianne has been an active member of Forresters’ Equality and Diversity Group for the past two years, and is passionate about promoting inclusivity and awareness in the workplace. Having been invited onto a podcast with IP&ME to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month in 2023, she is eager to continue supporting ethnic minorities across the IP profession, and has since been appointed onto the IP&ME leadership team.
IP Out – Kevin Rich
Kevin is a European and UK patent attorney based in Stockholm and specialising in the biotech field. Kevin currently acts as co-chair for the IP Out committee, having been a member of the network since he started in the profession in 2018.
IPause – Jane Wainwright
Jane Wainwright leads the IPause community and is active in normalising the discussion of and support for both menopause and mental health.
Until the end of 2024, Jane had been a patent attorney and partner at Potter Clarkson. However, after 23 years there, she decided she wanted a
new challenge and is currently in the early stages of launching a coaching and people consultancy business to support those in professional services firms.
Women in IP – Michelle Montgomery
Michelle is a UK and European patent attorney working in the chemistry group at Carpmaels & Ransford in London.
Michelle handles prosecution and opposition work at the European Patent Office across a broad range of chemical subject matter – including pharmaceuticals, electronic devices, catalysts, polymers, nanomaterials and industrial processes.
Who’s it for?
Everyone who works in or with the UK’s IP sector is welcome. It doesn’t matter what type of organisation or department you work in, what role you play there or how senior you are, IP Inclusive would love you to get involved!
Bring a guest!
IP Inclusive wants to reach as many IP people as possible. Why not invite a guest to come with you – someone in a different role or at a different career level, perhaps; an ally or potential ally; or a colleague who’s not yet involved with IP Inclusive? They’ll be most welcome!
Registration
This event is free. So are all IP Inclusive resources. That said, they do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you enjoy the event please consider contributing. For more information, visit the IP Inclusive fundraising page.
