The IP Inclusive Advisory Board

IP Inclusive’s Advisory Board was established by IP Inclusive’s governing body IP Inclusive Management (IPIM) in September 2021. It is a non-executive body made up of individual volunteers from both inside and outside the UK’s IP professions.

The purpose of the Advisory Board is to guide and support IPIM and its executive staff in pursuing IPIM’s objects (see section 2 of the IPIM constitution). It is intended to act as a sounding board and “critical friend”, both informally and in scheduled meetings, and to introduce a range of perspectives to strengthen IP Inclusive.

According to its terms of reference, the Board and its members will, among other things:

1. Advise on IPIM’s strategies and plans in light of its constitution and objects.
2. Make recommendations where appropriate based on their knowledge of the IP sector and of relevant best practices elsewhere.
3. Update IPIM on developments and opportunities they become aware of in the IP sector or in the context of equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing more widely.
4. Help IPIM take account of the needs and views of the community it serves.
5. Act as links between (i) IPIM and (ii) the people and organisations they represent or have access to.
6. Act as ambassadors for the IP Inclusive and Careers in Ideas initiatives.

Like IPIM, the Advisory Board’s objects are to promote and improve equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing in the UK’s IP professions. It too acts for the benefit of the community of UK-based IP professionals and those they work with, and also of those wishing to join that community.

The Advisory Board’s members are appointed by IPIM, aiming for a membership of from 10 to 30 people. Membership is open to any individual, other than an IPIM member, who can contribute relevant skills, expertise and perspectives to assist IPIM. Board members do not need to be IP professionals. They can be representatives of an organisation (for example an IP sector membership body) or of an IP Inclusive community, network or working group.

The Board’s current members are shown in the panel above. Towards the bottom of this page you’ll find some brief information about each of them and the values and experience they bring.

Carol Arnold is the current Chair and Sally Bannan the Secretary of the Board.

Membership will usually be for a period of three years, but we hope to stagger re-appointments and recruit at least some new members every year. Keep an eye on this page for information about future vacancies and how to apply.

Here are our current Advisory Board members.

Sue Antoine (she/her)

Head of HR, Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP

I’m a keen advocate and ally for inclusion across teams, sectors and professions with a particular interest in employee engagement, gender and race; a trained mental health first aider; and more importantly a good listener. At work I manage a small, dedicated HR team and am involved in our D&I group, wellbeing and engagement programme and mental health and wellness group. I have spent over 30 years in HR and experienced many different work cultures, leadership styles and work practices but throughout my desire to make a difference has always driven me on. Outside of work I love nature, gardening and exercise as ways to be more mindful and destress.

Carol Arnold (Chair)

Retired CPA/EPA; Honorary Fellow & Former President, IP Federation; Former Associate Counsel (IP) in Shell Intellectual Property Services; Former member of IPIM; Trustee

I have worked in both private practice and in industry and have managed both IP attorneys and IP formalities staff. I am a Trustee of a small disability charity and of the CIPA Benevolent Association.

I have a particularly strong interest in supporting E, D&I in IP sector recruitment to lead to a stronger, diverse IP community.

Sally Bannan (she/her) (Secretary)

Senior IP Counsel, Cytiva

I feel strongly that a society where each individual can reach their true potential is something we must strive for and IP Inclusive is a real force for good in this aim, both within the IP community and beyond. I’m a member of the epi D&I working group that was formed in September 2021, working on a range of EDI initiatives in the European patent profession. As an in-house patent attorney, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a range of company-led school outreach activities, I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador, and I’m a mentor as part of the Careers in Ideas Mentoring Hub.

Vicki Barker (she/her)

Associate, Finnegan Europe LLP

Although I didn’t really know it at the time, I grew up in a very diverse environment and this has made me an advocate for DE&I. I am a patent attorney with a chemistry background, and I work mostly from home in rural Sussex. I am a keen cook (much to the disappointment of my children, who would prefer fish fingers) and I love to read anything about history.

Jodie Bates

IT Trainer, Bout Wade Tennant LLP

I am a methodical thinker and process-driven person. I have worked on business improvement technics both within a manufacturing and corporate environment, helped raise over £60K for Age UK Essex and trained diversity and inclusion to 16-18 year olds. I work in London part-time and am a mum of one. I have been in IT training over 10 years and working in the legal sector since 2018.

Iona Berkeley

Barrister, 8 New Square

I have spent my whole career practising as a barrister at 8 New Square in the field of intellectual property. I enjoy being part of the diverse intellectual property community and want to encourage and support all of that community. I particularly enjoy learning from others in different roles so that we can share best practices and innovations in wellbeing support and other areas.

Julie Browne (she/her)

Senior Patent Attorney, Shell International Limited

I am passionate about the aims of IP Inclusive and have a particular interest in widening access to STEM careers and the IP professions, and have been involved in various initiatives in this regard in Shell, IP Federation and IP Inclusive. I am a member of IP Federation Council and Governance Committee and a former IPIM member on behalf of IP Federation. I am also a member of the IP Inclusive Careers in Ideas task force.

Caelia Bryn-Jacobsen (she/her)

Patent Attorney, Kilburn & Strode LLP

I’m proud to be an active member of IP Ability, chair of CIPA’s Professional Development Working Group, and a member of CIPA’s Educational Committee. At Kilburn & Strode, I chair their charitable fund, Innovation for All. Whether with IP Inclusive, CIPA, or at work, I am an enthusiastic promoter of D&I working to actively encourage and implement improvement.

Ben Buchanan

Deputy Director of Patents, UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO)

My role at the IPO involves managing four examination teams in the digital, data and AI space and serving as a Tribunal Hearing Officer. I incorporate a significant amount of work on inclusion and diversity within this role, championing accessibility and EDI within the IPO, leading on D&I for my business area and engaging with the Government Science and Engineering Profession and IP Inclusive. I am a passionate advocate of improving D&I through collaboration, having chaired IP Inclusive’s previous management committee in a non-executive capacity. Until the end of 2022 I chaired the newly-established IP Inclusive Advisory Board, and I continue to serve as a Board member.

Pete Fellows

Managing Director, Fellows and Associates

I run an intellectual property law recruitment firm. As a consequence I’m very aware of the hiring trends in the sector and the changing attitudes and practices amongst employers and employees. I have worked in the recruitment industry since 1998 in a wide variety of sectors (predominantly professional services) and jurisdictions. Perhaps due to my sales background, which is built upon my academic background in philosophy, I tend to see multiple perspectives – the advantages and drawbacks of an argument or point of view. I’m hopeful that I can add a rigorous and sometimes contrary approach to the Advisory Board.

Erich Hou-Richards (any pronouns)

Senior Futures Advisor, Strategy Directorate, UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO)

Before joining the UK IPO, I have been a practising and academic lawyer in both intellectual property and human rights law. Having published on the issues of universalism, cultural relativism and same-sex marriage, I currently sit on the steering committees of both Race and LGBTQ+ Staff Networks within the IPO. I am also a trained Harassment Contact Officer and an Executive Committee Member of FDA, the union representing professionals and managers in public service.

David Joo (he/him)

Senior IP Consultant, Aon Intellectual Property Solutions

I’m an advocate of EDI and focus my volunteering efforts in careers outreach and mental wellbeing.

Before my role as a consultant, I trained to become a patent attorney working in private practice for several years. Combined with my experiences from IP law, I hope to bring insights from outside of the IP profession as we work collectively to tackle EDI issues.

Saiful Khan

Partner, Potter Clarkson LLP

We in the IP community know that a career in this field can be so fulfilling and rewarding. I would like to use my position of privilege to not only help advance wider access to the professions that we represent but also to support ongoing career progression. As an immigrant, who has greatly benefitted from the education, support and opportunities afforded to me, I know life could have been very different for me. I see that there are very talented individuals from diverse communities who will need the support and encouragement to enter and progress in the IP community to ensure our industry is fit to meet future challenges.

Abdulmalik Lawal (he/him)

Patent and Trade Mark Attorney, Franks & Co Limited

I’m a keen supporter of diversity and inclusivity, and serve on both the IP & ME Committee and the North of England Network Committee. I head the Manchester office of Franks & Co and take a lead role in the business development and growth of the office.

Liam Lawlor (he/him)

Senior European and UK Patent Attorney, Murgitroyd

I am committed to, and have a passion for, promotion of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. I am interested in working to increase accessibility to and awareness of the IP industry. At work, I am a qualified patent attorney working at a large firm, based in the north of England. I am part of my firm’s dedicated ED&I group. I am both a member of and champion of the LGBT+ community. I am a Careers in Ideas Mentor and part of the CIPA Buddy Scheme.

Sherena Masharani (she/her)

Intellectual Property and legal counsel, Centrica plc

I am passionate about DE&I and the impact and innovation that can be unlocked through a more inclusive profession. I have qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales through the new SQE route and have a background working in social entrepreneurship and commercial strategy and operational roles. I have experience in delivering and implementing DE&I initiatives both within organisations and across industries globally. I enjoy championing and pioneering a creative approach to engagement.

Josh McLennon

European patent attorney, Håmsø Patentbyrå AS

Entering the IP profession in 2019 was an eye-opening experience for me, and the value of the IP Inclusive communities’ work cannot be understated. Quite simply, they allowed me to feel like I belong here; not just tolerated but actively supported. At my previous firm Kilburn & Strode I was a member of their Diversity Forum and a board member of their charitable fund, the Innovation For All Foundation. In my spare time I also tutor A-Level physics through the charity The Access Project. Serving on the IP Inclusive Advisory Board is an honour and a privilege.

Charlene Nelson (she/her)

Associate (Chartered Trade Mark Attorney), Foot Anstey LLP

I have a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. I did not qualify through the traditional university route and am joint qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. I am keen to ensure that those from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to practise law and there are no barriers in place to access to legal education and roles. I am a trained mental health first aider and a member of my firm’s D&I Action Group.

Carol Nyahasha (she/her)

Trade Mark Counsel, Kilburn & Strode 

I have over 18 years of experience within the IP profession. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion as I believe that given the opportunity, we all have a voice and contribution to make to the IP profession and broader society. Having spent my formative years in Zimbabwe, I’ve had to overcome various challenges in my professional life and I am keen to use my experiences to help build a profession which celebrates inclusiveness and diversity not just in form but also in thought. I sit on the CITMA Council and I am a part of the CITMA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. I am also an active member of the IP Inclusive Careers in Ideas task force, with a particular interest in mentoring upstream recruits interested in entering the IP profession.

Doyinsola Oreagba (she/her)

Paralegal, Vodafone

I have a keen interest in human rights, particularly women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights, with a focus on the intersectionality between race and other aspects of identity. I serve as a trust governor at a local secondary school and volunteer at a women’s refuge and an LGBTQ+ family law clinic. I believe volunteering is a crucial aspect of any lawyer’s personal development and have been committed to volunteering and pro bono work since secondary school. Outside of these commitments, I enjoy travelling, baking and going to the gym!

Ellie Pilott (she/her)

Senior Trade Mark Paralegal, Abel + Imray

I have been working in IP for over 20 years and have been a member of my firm’s EDI group since 2018. I now head up the EDI initiative for our firm, which includes organising a number of EDI groups focusing on particular issues affecting our staff. I am passionate about fostering inclusive environments inside and outside of the IP professions. I believe everyone should have a voice and my aim is to help clear the barriers to allow people to speak and be heard. My main passion is promoting women’s health issues and social mobility but that is largely because those are the issues affecting me most. I enjoy being part of a wider EDI initiative because there are many issues that do not directly affect me personally, and I can listen to others’ views and encourage them to speak up.

Outside of work I co-run a Community Interest Company which is a circus performance and teaching company. I also work as a freelance social media promoter for theatre and small businesses in South Wales and as an event organiser.

Megan Rannard (she/her)

Associate (Registered and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney) at Marks & Clerk LLP

I am highly committed to raising awareness, and promoting inclusion and equality for disabled professionals in particular based on my personal experiences with an invisible disability. I am also a committee member for IP Ability (the IP Inclusive community for disabled people, carers and their allies) and a keen advocate for diversity and equality across the board in the IP sector.

Anna Smith (she/her)

Head of People, Stratagem IPM Limited

Widening access to opportunity is important to me and I’m an enthusiastic advocate of the work IP Inclusive do to raise awareness of careers in IP.  Mental health, and the impact this has on us all, has been a long-held interest of mine and I am a trained mental health first aider. At work I chair our EDI, Mental Health and Well-Being committee and am looking forward to working with IP Inclusive in all these areas moving ahead.

Rina Sond (she/her)

Intellectual Property Lawyer, Intangen

I am the CEO and Founder of Intangen, a specialist IP consultancy. Being a former partner in a law firm, and a Commercial and IP lawyer with around 25 years’ experience, I am used to dealing with a wide range of commercial contracts and intellectual property issues.

I have specialist experience in assisting my clients with protecting, managing and monetising their IP assets to drive business growth. This could be through licensing, franchising, university spin-outs and other arrangements. I have acted for a wide range of clients (from startup to exit) in various industry sectors including retail, FMCG, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, tech and service industries.

I am an Allied Member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, and a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 directory.

Paul Sweeden

Senior Associate, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

I’m a keen champion for a career in IP law to be accessible for all who have a desire and passion to work within the sector. I mentor a number of junior associates at CMS, and also work with Foundervine and Wray Forward to provide IP-focused workshops to black business founders. My enthusiasm and desire to provide an inclusive working environment within the IP sector comes from an unconventional route to qualification as a solicitor some 10 years ago, which I could not have achieved without the guidance and mentorship of those who held the beliefs I now hold today.

Sarah Vaughan (she/her)

Events Manager, CITMA

I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion through events to reach new audiences and encourage greater representation and access to the profession. At CITMA I curate our annual events and training programme by working closely with our network of volunteer committees, including the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group which I am a member of. Through our programme of diversity- and inclusion-themed events I hope to encourage and facilitate greater engagement in our work to enhance the profession and the organisation, inspiring a positive, healthy, and inclusive culture.

Sheila Wallace

Retired patent attorney, former partner at Marks & Clerk

Sheila’s photo and bio will follow soon.