Sarah Speight

Articles by Sarah Speight

Europe

CIPA’s outgoing president: UK rejoining the UPC needs ‘support from business’

As he hands over the baton, Bobby Mukherjee reflects on his time leading the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys—from progressing the soon-to-be-launched paid apprenticeship schemes to engaging with the UK body’s in-house members. Sarah Speight reports.   7 January 2026

Americas

Merchant & Gould hires 13 attorneys to open new Boston office

The new recruits from a boutique Boston firm enables Merchant to expand and strengthen its tech and life sciences offering in the innovation hub.   6 January 2026

Americas

5 ways the USPTO director is changing US innovation

John Squires has rewired the country’s patents system since becoming USPTO director—but which changes are most impactful? Sarah Speight explores.   24 December 2025

Americas

USPTO issues guidance to support patent eligibility declarations

As part of a broader bid to remove obstacles to patents, director Squires clarifies how examiners, applicants and practitioners may handle patent subject matter eligibility rejections.   8 December 2025

Americas

Chest-worn heart monitor tech flatlines in US patent appeal

A Finnish wearable fitness gadget company has lost its bid to overturn the invalidation of a key patent, with the US Federal Circuit affirming it is abstract under Alice.   5 December 2025

Europe

Misuse of genAI to draft patents is ‘a big concern’: CIPA’s AI chair

AI content in new enquiries is a growing problem, says the man leading the UK association’s AI Committee. Sarah Speight reports.   24 November 2025

Careers

Pillsbury bags first-chair litigator and inventor with ‘business acumen’

With “deep connections” in the US and Asia and life sciences patents in his name, the new partner joins the firm at a time of IP practice expansion.   18 November 2025

Careers

Weil continues IP expansion as another litigator jumps from rival firm

The ‘distinguished litigator’ rejoins six former colleagues at the new firm, bringing expertise in high-stakes disputes representing global tech and life sciences clients.   7 November 2025

Americas

New AIPLA president calls for greater certainty in US patent law

Barley Snyder partner Sal Anastasi—woodworker, pilot, and now head of the AIPLA—speaks to WIPR about the urgent need for clarity in patent eligibility, and why collaboration and engagement are essential as the USPTO ushers in a period of rapid change.   6 November 2025

Americas

Squires: ‘Inherited patent backlog was an absolute dumpster fire’

In his first public remarks since becoming the USPTO director, a bombastic John Squires promises an agency “in overdrive” that's doubling down on AI, reports Sarah Speight.   1 November 2025

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