Diversity and Inclusivity For the Sole Practitioner and Small Firm

Keith Loven, Loven

Keith Loven has run his own small practice since 1989, having previously worked in both industry and private practice. He qualified in 1980 (and is glad he doesn’t have to now!). He has been a member of Council for several years and also serves on the Internal Governance Committee of CIPA. Managing a small practice for 33 years has been a long learning process, and there is still much to learn. Keith feels that a small firms/sole practitioners group might be useful in keeping abreast of new developments and sharing experiences.

Susi Fish, Boult Wade Tennant LLP

I enjoy working across a range of technologies, including aerospace, medical physics and biomedical engineering (my specialist background). I am always seeking to assist my clients in the best possible ways, whether by supporting their patenting strategies and helping to identify areas for process improvement or simply by adapting my communication style to suit their needs. I particularly enjoy working on corporate strategy and client management for larger businesses, and I am always seeking to learn more so I can provide still better support.

I oversee Boult’s European Patent Validations Group, which handles the grant stage of European patent applications before the EPO and the subsequent patent validation procedure before national Patent Offices throughout Europe, and I am a member of our Unified Patent Court/Unitary Patent committee.

As a member of the Women in IP (IP Inclusive) committee, I am passionate about promoting women’s voices in this field as well as equality, diversity and inclusion in the IP profession. I am also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion and Women in IP committees of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, where I am part of subgroups that write white papers and present webinars on topics of interest. My efforts in this area were recognised when I was selected as one of only 20 Global Diversity champions in WIPR’s Diversity Issue 2021.