An IP Futures panel discussion and networking event
From Junior to Expert: Building a Career in IP
Wednesday 8 April 2026, 6.00 – 8.30 pm
Kindly hosted by Taylor Wessing in London
Where is your IP career heading? Whether you have just taken your first steps into the profession, are finding your feet a few years in, or are starting to think seriously about what the next stage looks like — this evening was for you.
Attendees joined us for an open and honest panel discussion, as IP professionals from across the career spectrum shared their stories, experiences, and reflections on working in IP. Our panellists represented a wide range of roles and routes through the profession — from paralegals and trainees through to newly qualified attorneys, mid-level professionals, and senior partners — giving you the opportunity to hear genuine perspectives from people who have been where you are now.
There are no fixed timelines in a career in IP. Everyone’s path looks different, and that is exactly what makes these conversations so valuable. Whether your journey has been straightforward or taken a few unexpected turns, attendees found something to take away from the evening.
Following the panel discussion, there was a networking drinks and nibbles reception, giving you the chance to connect with fellow professionals and our panellists in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
The event was organised by IP Futures, an IP Inclusive community for early and developing IP professionals. You can read more about IP Futures here. IP Futures is for all early stage IP career professionals, whether paralegal, attorney, HR, Marketing, media, IT or any other role. Everyone in the first ten years of their career is welcome.
It was kindly hosted and sponsored by Taylor Wessing at their London offices.
Meet the panellists
Our panel brought together IP professionals from a variety of backgrounds, roles, and stages in their careers — spanning private practice and in-house positions across patents and trade marks.
- Memunat Bakare – Trainee Solicitor (Patent seat) at Taylor Wessing
- Nessa Khandaker – Litigation Associate and Solicitor at Finnegan Europe
- Chris Lindsay – Patent Attorney at Abel + Imray
- Daniel Chew – Patent Attorney and Partner at Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP
- Meera Taank – Director at Taank IP
- Jason Rawkins – Trade Mark Partner at Taylor Wessing
- Roland Mallinson – Trade Mark Partner at Taylor Wessing
Location
Taylor Wessing, 5 New St Square, London EC4A 3TW
Timings
- 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Arrival, registration and welcome drinks
- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Panel discussion
- 7:00 pm onwards:Â Networking drinks and nibbles reception
Cost and registration
This event was free, and so are all IP Inclusive’s resources. We think it is important to keep IP Inclusive on the right side of the paywall.
That said, we do need funds to keep the show on the road, so if you enjoyed the event please consider contributing. For more information, visit the IP Inclusive fundraising page here.