Aditi Sharma

Monday

On Monday, we were introduced to several members of the firm, including Lucy Coe and Andy Whitlock, who gave us an overview of what we would learn by the end of the week. Richard Johnson, a Partner, then explained how Mewburn Ellis operates, from the partnership level down to marketing and business development. I gained a clear understanding of basic patentability principles – this helped me appreciate that IP work is not merely administrative; it is strategic, shaping the future commercial path for clients. The highlight of this day was the Supreme Court hearing on AI (ANN). It was inspiring to witness arguments on how AI interacts with patent law.

Tuesday

Tuesday was like solving a puzzle, with a primary focus on drafting claims. Camille Terfve guided us through the process, teaching us how to concentrate on the core innovation rather than its more obvious aspects. We learned to balance the need for broad protection with precise language. The highlight of the day was a case study based on the classic AI paper, "Attention Is All You Need." This exercise demonstrated how technical precision in drafting claims directly impacts their enforceability and a client's business value.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Dan Brodsky, James Leach, and Lucy Coe guided us through the process of amending the claims we had drafted the day before. They helped us understand how to prepare for potential objections while keeping the client's commercial goals in mind. We also had an eye-opening opportunity to draft a response to an objection case study, which gave me a much clearer picture of the initial filing process. I was most excited about the social event, where I got to talk with members of the Manchester team who share a similar background.

Thursday

After three days, we were given the opportunity to speak with trainees and associates. Their insights into the exams, work-life balance at Mewburn, and their personal expertise were incredibly helpful. We were all excited by the prospect of becoming an AI Patent Attorney. We also received valuable advice on how to improve our applications and what the firm looks for in a candidate.

Later, we developed a clearer understanding of post-grant procedures such as oppositions, litigation, and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO). Observing these processes in practice deepened my appreciation for the attorney's role in safeguarding a patent throughout its entire lifecycle, not just at the initial filing stage.

Friday

On our last day, we had the chance to participate in a fun opposition case study led by Lucy Coe, Alex Burns, and Tom Furnival. We were divided into groups, which made the room interactive and lively, as we engaged in deep conversations about how to draft oppositions. Joanna Smith then gave us a glimpse into how we could contribute to the firm's business development while also growing our networking skills.