FICPI Focus 45

Dr. Ronelle Geldenhuys (a Partner at Jones Maxwell Smith & Davis and the Secretary of FICPI Australia) is joined by seasoned IP professionals Andrew Jones of Sydney, Australia (https://www.jmsd.com.au/), and Stewart Cameron of Glasgow, UK (https://cameronintellectualproperty.com/). They share what they learned from establishing and running their own businesses.

Have you ever considered starting your own IP practice—whether as a sole practitioner or alongside one or two trusted partners?

The prospect can be exciting: greater independence, the freedom to choose your clients and the opportunity to build a practice that reflects your own values and ambitions. But it is not for everyone. Running a firm means taking responsibility for everything from client work and business development to technology, administration—and, occasionally, emptying the bins.

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FICPI is delighted to welcome Dr Anji Miller, Senior Partner for Academic Engagement at LifeArc, to the FICPI Focus 45 Podcast

In conversation with webinar host Louis-Pierre Gravelle, FICPI Deputy Secretary General and Partner at Dipchand LLP, she will explore how LifeArc approaches translation as a system, from accelerating target discovery and biomarker development to supporting clinical pathway innovation, data‑informed decision‑making, and effective collaboration across academia, industry, and the IP profession. Drawing on Anji’s experience across technology transfer, IP strategy, licensing, and skills development, the discussion will highlight the critical role of people, partnerships, and professional capability in successful translation.

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Louis DiSanto, in conversation with Louis Pierre Gravelle about Banner & Witcoff weights and training client Rogue (www.roguefitness.com) and with whom they secure utility patent, trademark, design patents, and carry out enforcement.

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Louis-Pierre Gravelle (Partner at Dipchand LLP in Canada and FICPI Deputy Secretary General) is joined by Gene Quinn. A patent attorney and a leading commentator on patent law and innovation policy. Mr. Quinn has twice been named one of the top 50 most influential people in IP by Managing IP Magazine, in both 2014 and 2019. From 2017-2025, Mr. Quinn has also been recognized by IAM Magazine as one of the top 300 IP strategists in the world.

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This Focus 45 session provides the critical context needed to ensure the future of IP looks nothing like the "good old days."

For International Women’s Week 2026, join FICPI Australia Secretary Ronelle Geldenhuys for a provocative and data-driven exploration of the professional landscape for women in intellectual property. While nostalgia often paints a rosy picture of the "good old days," the reality for women in the profession has historically been one of systemic invisibility and distinct barriers. This webinar will consider generational experiences and perspectives, and question whether the "slightly better" conditions of today are enough, or if the profession is simply trading old obstacles for new, more subtle ones.

The session features an expert panel with Professor Jessica Lai (Victoria University of Wellington) and Maryam Khajeh Tabari (Chrysiliou IP/University of Technology Sydney). Drawing on their extensive multi-year research collaboration across Australia and New Zealand, the panel will move beyond anecdotes to present hard-hitting findings from their recent publications. From the "burden on senior women" and the impact of self-group distancing to the persistent presumptions made by clients and colleagues alike, this discussion offers a rare, evidence-based look at how gender shapes the IP career trajectory.

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Celebrating hosting 45 episodes of FICPI Focus 45, long-time FICPI 45 host, Louis-Pierre Gravelle, will be in conversation with our new Eastern timezone host, Ronelle Geldenhuys. 

They will look at the human connection in professional services, and why relationships (not just technical excellence) are often the difference between good work and great work. They'll unpack the practical value of building strong client relationships, why different clients need different connection styles, and how human connection benefits us all.

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Louis-Pierre Gravelle (Partner at Dipchand LLP in Canada and Vice President of FICPI's Practice Management Committee) is joined by Marc Levieils (Managing Partner - REGIMBEAU, France) to deep dive into the specific standards applicable to IP, especially ISO 56005.

How can innovation and IP standards be an opportunity for both our clients and our practice? Challenges and future of the ISO 56000 standard.

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In this session Louis-Pierre Gravelle, our Focus 45 Host, will review ISO 56005 Innovation management with Johan Claire, CEO of Innovation Way.

A general overview of the applicable standards in innovation to better understand their challenges and their benefits for both our client and our practice.

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In this session Louis-Pierre Gravelle, our Focus 45 Host, will consider how AI makes spreadsheets smarter with Dr Niti Dewan.

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In this session Louis-Pierre Gravelle, our Focus 45 Host, will discuss what is needed to be an IP strategist for our clients with Kate Wilson, Donna Patane and Denise Hodge.

Intellectual property practitioners do more than simply file a trade mark application or draft a patent specification.

Clients often need guidance regarding what registered IP can (and can’t) do for them; where, when and how best to spend their IP budget on registered rights; and what types of IP protection they should be focusing on to best support their commercial strategies. Good attorneys and lawyers must be commercially minded in order to support their clients in the best possible way.

This webinar will touch on what is needed to be an IP strategist for our clients.

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