From idea to IP: navigating AI patents in a fast-moving field

MIP podcasts

MIP podcasts
From idea to IP: navigating AI patents in a fast-moving field
Feb 06, 2026
MIP

In this Managing IP podcast, recorded in collaboration with Maiwald, leading European patent attorneys unpack what it takes to patent AI successfully in a field where technology and regulation are moving at speed.

Reflecting the pace of change in this area, the EPO issued an updated preview of its AI-related guidance after the podcast was recorded, underlining how quickly examination practice continues to evolve.

The following speakers from Maiwald share their insights based on deep technical and strategic experience across software, machine learning, and industrial applications:

  • Dr Ian Weaver, partner;
  • Dr Fabian Kiendl, counsel; 
  • Attila Kimpan, of counsel; and
  • Lutz Kietzmann, partner.

They explore how the EPO approaches AI-related inventions and address the following key issues:

  • The question of whether an AI invention is truly technical;
  • What patent offices expect to see regarding training methods, data sources, and model structure – and why enablement can reveal hidden claim opportunities;
  • How narratives can help open the ‘AI black box’ to guide examiners, judges, and future enforcement; and
  • The importance of matching filing strategies to the speed of AI innovation.

Listen to the podcast for practical insights on turning AI ideas into defensible intellectual property rights.

Episode Artwork From idea to IP: navigating AI patents in a fast-moving field 50:17 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: INTA’s 2026 president on her holistic IP vision 18:29 Episode Artwork Online IP Protection: why successful enforcement needs patents, TMs, designs and more 28:13 Episode Artwork Podcast: Formalising support for IP Inclusive 34:49 Episode Artwork Podcast: Celebrating, supporting and inspiring ethnic minority IP professionals 28:09 Episode Artwork The AfCFTA made simple: how to navigate filing trademarks in Africa 23:59 Episode Artwork Podcast: Understanding and championing disability and neurodiversity within IP 35:12 Episode Artwork Podcast: The spectrum of identity within IP 35:49 Episode Artwork Podcast: Young and ambitious, the future of IP 34:24 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: What makes a standout IP lateral hire 33:36 Episode Artwork Podcast: Careers in ideas - attracting and diversifying the next generation 33:32 Episode Artwork Podcast: Unconscious bias, an unintentional but ongoing part of IP professions 44:03 Episode Artwork Women in IP podcast: Breaking glass ceilings and staying there 45:17 Episode Artwork Hidden in plain sight: overlooked sources of prior art that can make or break a case 22:00 Episode Artwork Podcast: Finding direction through the menopause in the IP Profession 31:08 Episode Artwork Podcast special: The power of the IP Inclusive community 34:28 Episode Artwork ‘We almost missed it’: stories from the frontlines of IP analysis 27:16 Episode Artwork Colour marks, shape marks, and non-traditional trademarks in Africa 22:19 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: Ones to Watch preview | Rankings refresh 15:37 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: Talking unitary patents with the EPO 29:31 Episode Artwork Podcast special: Ringside with Brandsmiths and Bird & Bird 48:42 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: IP STARS rankings review | Canada’s IP patriotism 20:50 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: INTA CEO on IP ‘positivity’ and London 2026 27:54 Episode Artwork Design protection is underrated: why design rights should be an integral part of your portfolio 23:21 Episode Artwork The IP Lounge: Benelux chief on integrating IP into business strategy 31:28