Alexandra Armitage

I recently completed Mewburn Ellis' inaugural AI, Machine learning and Informatics internship at their Manchester office, a transformative experience that immersed me in the dynamic intersection of intellectual property (IP) law and cutting-edge AI technologies.

Bridging AI Expertise with Intellectual Property Practice

As many soon-to-be graduates like me are eager to pursue a career in patent law will know, such opportunities are rare; experience opportunities in patent law are scarce, making it difficult for prospective patent attorneys to really grasp what a career in intellectual property actual entails. This internship offered a unique platform to bridge my academic background in computational chemistry and machine learning with the practical realities of IP law, and also speaks to Mewburn Ellis’ commitment to nurturing talent at all stages.

Learning from Every Level

The heart of Mewburn Ellis is the people, and this was reflected throughout the entirety of the week where we learnt directly from professionals across all levels and departments of the firm, from Trainees to Partners and IP Directors. This direct access to a broad spectrum of expertise offered a comprehensive view of the patent profession as a whole: engaging with Trainees offered a grounded perspective on the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, while Partners delivered strategic insights into the broader legal landscape. The collaborative, mentorship driven environment fostered open dialogue, where we were encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and receive feedback on real-world projects.

This was reflected in the structure of the week, which included a combination of hands-on workshops and informative seminars spanning the entire patent process, from drafting and filing to prosecution and enforcement, and even oppositions. Workshops equipped us with hands-on skills, such as drafting patent claims, amending applications, and capturing inventions, deepening our understanding of the technical and legal nuances involved. Complementary seminars explored foundational principles, like patentability criteria and the lifecycle of a patent, providing a robust theoretical framework.

Witnessing a Landmark Moment in AI Patent Law

As many of you reading this may know, the timing of this week coincided with the high-profile Emotional Perception case, which promises to be a pivotal moment in UK patent law. A live stream of the hearing brought to life the debate over whether artificial neural networks (ANNs) constitute a “computer program as such” and are therefore excluded from patentability. The case, centred on an ANN-based system for recommending media files, is a precipice for UK patent law. Its outcome could redefine the patentability of AI-driven inventions, setting a precedent that may shape the global IP landscape for years to come. Watching this hearing felt like witnessing a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI and IP law, one that could redefine the boundaries of patentability in AI-driven innovations.

This internship not only deepened my understanding of IP law but also reinforced my passion for working at the intersection of AI and patents. The Emotional Perception case, in particular, underscored the evolving nature of this field, where legal frameworks must adapt to technological advancements. For aspiring patent attorneys, I highly recommend exploring opportunities like those offered by Mewburn Ellis to gain invaluable insights into this dynamic profession. As the Supreme Court’s ruling looms, I’ll be watching closely to see how it shapes the future of AI and IP law.