The IP Lounge: SEPs update, IP hiring trends

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

The IP Lounge: SEPs update, IP hiring trends

MIP Podcast newsletter header banner sample-2000.jpg

In the latest episode of our monthly podcast, the team discusses standard-essential patent developments so far this year and delves into law firm hiring strategies


It’s been a busy start to the year for the Managing IP editorial team. In this episode, the first of 2024, the team looks back over the biggest talking points in January.

Deputy editor Max Walters is joined by Rani Mehta, senior reporter for the Americas, and Sukanya Sarkar, our senior reporter in Asia.

Top of the list is standard-essential patents (SEPs). There have been some notable settlements in the past few weeks. However, the EU’s proposed SEP Regulation is still looming large after a crucial vote in the European Parliament last month and another coming up at the end of the month. Sukanya provides a rundown.

Also in this episode, we take a close look at law firm strategy trends.

Rani delves into how some firms are responding to patenting trends and an expected increase in litigation by making key hires, while Sukanya looks at consolidated firms and tells us why some in-house counsel are wary of using their services.

We will be back with a new episode in March. Thank you for listening.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The Life Sciences Awards is thrilled to present the shortlist for the 2026 Americas Awards
From Türkiye to Poland and Nigeria, firms with deep local roots continue to dominate the top tier, proving that market expertise can outweigh international scale in many CEE, Middle Eastern and African jurisdictions
Former Hoyng Rokh partner Simon Dack takes a leading PMAC role as busy firms continue to jostle for position
Franck Fougere, founder and managing partner of Ananda IP in Thailand, describes how the firm has developed a reputation for patent work and why he believes IP practice is set to change
After two decades at Kass International, Geetha Kandiah discusses the lessons that shaped her career, building an inclusive regional firm, and AI opportunities
Manisha Singh of LexOrbis discusses the need for commercial alignment with clients and why IP lawyers need to have curiosity at their core
As firms expand into integrated IP services, recent hires show the model's appeal – but high-profile departures reveal how quickly questions of depth and durability can emerge
In-house counsel say private practice firms either aren’t conveying sustainability messaging or simply ‘don’t care’, but a mindful approach to the topic could swing pitches
With patent filings stagnant, fewer clients litigating and market consolidation at play, Canadian firms are considering how to challenge the established players
IPH’s strategy of integrating acquired businesses into its larger premium brands, may offer an early signal of how externally funded IP firms will pursue scale, efficiency and market strength
Gift this article