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Every life-saving drug we know of—every cancer therapy, every vaccine, every breakthrough—started as an impossible idea. Turning that idea into reality takes more than science. It takes persistence, investment, and a patent system strong enough to protect innovation. In this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, Gene Quinn (IPWatchdog) sits down with Rob Sahr, a Shareholder at Wolf Greenfield, to unpack the extraordinary journey from molecule to medicine. Together, they explore how scientific breakthroughs depend not only on research and capital, but also on a stable and predictable patent system. From double patenting and government funding to judicial uncertainty and policy headwinds, the conversation dives into the fragile balance between innovation and access—and the miracles required to bring new drugs to life.

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In our latest IPWatchdog Unleashed podcast, we had a riveting and sometimes emotional conversation unfolded around one of the most pressing issues in life sciences today: the journey of life-saving drugs from laboratory to patient. We discuss the pivotal role a strong patent system plays in this important journey with guest Sherry Knowles. Sherry is the founder of Knowles Intellectual Property Strategies and former Chief Patent Counsel for GlaxoSmithKline. In addition to being one of the leading voices in the life sciences and patent industries, Sherry is also a cancer survivor. Among other things we discuss numerous patent system challenges facing innovator drug companies, the downward pressure generic drugs place on the industry and leading to important drugs becoming unavailable, the role of Pharmacy Benefit Mangers (PBMs) with respect to significantly raising the cost of drugs for Americans, and policy influences and legislation on Capitol Hill. Sherry also shares her personal story and insights into why patents are more than just legal constructs—they are deeply personal lifelines. 

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This week on IPWatchdog Unleashed we have an interesting and entertaining conversation between Gene Quinn, President & CEO of IPWatchdog, Inc., and Henry Hadad, Chief IP Counsel and Deputy General Counsel at Bristol Myers Squibb. The conversation is wide ranging. They discuss the complexities and challenges patent laws are creating for medical diagnostics and cancer treatment. Henry shares his journey from law school to becoming a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry and elaborates on groundbreaking innovations in immuno-oncology that have transformed cancer treatment. The conversation delves into the impact of legislative and judicial changes on the IP landscape, the critical role of diagnostics in healthcare, and the importance of incentivizing innovation through a robust patent system. The episode concludes with reflections on the human impact of scientific advancements and the ongoing efforts required to find a cure for cancer. Henry’s final comment is one of optimism for innovators and the patent industry. 

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This week on IPWatchdog Unleashed we will talk about trade disputes, regulatory overhauls, and sudden shifts in geopolitics and what all of that means for the business landscape and patent strategy.  

The changing business climate is requiring companies of all sizes to reevaluate strategy, and those that best navigate the transition will future-proof their companies and innovation pipelines, wind up stronger in the long run, and have a more diversified and stable trajectory. 

We will discuss building an IP strategy during turbulent times. To accomplish this we discuss tariffs and how many businesses are responding to tariffs, including efforts to move manufacturing to lower tariff countries, and what IP professionals need to have in mind as they find themselves with patent portfolios built for the business landscape and geography of the past, and with a strategy and portfolio that might not be optimal—or worse a strategy and portfolio that could be all wrong given how manufacturing centers, supply chains and global business realities are rapidly evolving.

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In this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, host Gene Quinn sits down with Gina Johnson, the Chief Legal Officer of Ridge Wallet, LLC. They dive into Ridge Wallet's approach to intellectual property, and how the company relies on design patents, utility patents, and trademarks to fully protect their products against fakes, dupes, counterfeits and knockoffs. Gina shares her transition from outside counsel to an in-house role, the strategic importance of IP in combating market confusion, and the challenges of dealing with knockoffs and counterfeits on platforms like Amazon and Alibaba. Key topics include the significance of foundational patents, design patents covering product silhouettes, the process of using so-called Schedule A cases for IP enforcement against copycat companies without any (or many) assets reachable in the United States, and the nuances of working within the “Amazon court” to police IP disputes outside of the federal court system. Gina also offers practical advice for startups on the value of early IP protection, and why robust IP protection should be a priority for startups and entrepreneurs.

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In this special edition of the IPWatchdog Unleashed, Gene Quinn and his German counterparts discuss a recent major development at the Unified Patent Court (UPC) relating to Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and injunctions. Featuring industry experts Dr. Tobias Wuttke, Arie Tol, and Dr. Tilman Müller, the conversation dives into the background of the case that lead to the first, final, permanent injunction being awarded in a standard essential patent (SEP) case at the UPC. We discuss the landmark ruling in Philips v. Belkin, which solidified the UPC's stance on providing permanent injunctions to victorious patent owners. The panel explores potential implications for patent owners, how the FRAND negotiation process is and was handled, geographical jurisdiction issues, and the benefits and risks associated with litigating in the UPC. 

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In this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, Gene Quinn and Dana Colarulli delve into the intricate world of patent policy and politics, discussing laws, the dynamic environment at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Dana, a partner at ACG Advocacy and the Executive Director of LES International (LESI), shares his extensive experience, from his time at the USPTO to his insights on high-growth technology businesses. They address critical topics such as the recent shake-ups at the USPTO, the controversial 'patent tax' proposal, the role of government in fostering innovation, how despite the fact that the USPTO is user-fee funded it is being swept up in broader Trump Administration efforts to downsize the federal government, what the word "innovation" really means, how businesses use intellectual property assets, the importance of predictable IP assets, the challenges of effective patent valuation, international collaboration and education to support small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), and much more. Join Gene and Dana for an in-depth look at the current state and future of patents, innovation, and what is happening inside the beltway. 

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In this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, join Gene Quinn (IPWatchdog) and Marlene Valderrama (Senior IP Asset Manager for Halliburton) as they discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on innovation and intellectual property (IP) at Halliburton. Marlene shares insights from her role as an innovation scout, the challenges of encouraging digital teams to recognize their novel contributions, and the exciting advancements in drilling technology facilitated by AI. The conversation delves into best practices for AI implementation and the importance of continuous training for IP and innovation management. Additionally, Marlene opens up about her personal journey, her unexpected career path from drilling engineer to IP advocate, her passion for giving back through long-distance biking for multiple sclerosis research, and much more.

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In a spirited discussion at our annual Women’s IP Forum, attendees were treated to an insightful fireside-style chat conversation with the Honorable Judge Pauline Newman, a trailblazer for women in law and a luminary in the field of intellectual property. Judge Newman spoke with Renee C. Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of IPWatchdog, Inc., about her extraordinary career and her life journey. Judge Newman has served with distinction on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit since her appointment by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Her career has been marked by a commitment to innovation and the advancement of strong intellectual property rights, shaping the very foundation of modern patent law.

But did you know that Judge Newman was until a few years ago an active and licensed pilot? Did you know that she tutored singer and songwriting legend Joan Baez in chemistry when Baez was in high school? While so much of Judge Newman’s life has been well documented, there are so many layers to the extraordinary life of Judge Pauline Newman. 

Join us this week for her thoughts on life, patriotism, the law, and whether she ever experienced imposter syndrome as she climbed to the highest echelon of the male dominated worlds of innovation and intellectual property. 

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This week on IPWatchdog Unleashed, I had the pleasure of speaking with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Our conversation spanned a range of topics, from the future of intellectual property (IP), to how intellectual property has been a force for helping humanity, to WIPO's strategic initiatives and the burgeoning impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

A central theme of our conversation was Tang’s fervent advocacy for intellectual property as a catalyst for global innovation and betterment of the human condition. 

 ”IP is about one of the most fundamental things about what it means to be human being,” Tang explained. “Which is to look at the world, imagine how it could be different and apply all tools and knowledge and energies to making that a reality. And IP is part of making, facilitating and enabling that. So, if we look at IP at the highest possible form in its highest broadest way, that's what it really is about. I mean, the laws and regulations and all that is important. Building up IP ecosystems is at its best about helping us as humanity. To shape the world and make it a better place. That's, that's why this mission is for me is, not to be cliched, but it's almost sacred in a way."

With enthusiasm, he recounted how WIPO has embraced its role as a facilitator of IP knowledge, and actively helping nations understand and leverage IP as a tool for economic growth. We also discuss next-gen technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and discuss why he is seeking a second term as WIPO Director General. 

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