Patent Matters

Ensemble IP

Patents fuel major business and legal decisions, but navigating them requires special skills and focus. The Patent Matters podcast discusses best practices in the searching, prosecution, and management of this form of IP.

Episodes

  1. Episode 5 - From Idea to Invention - An Exploration in IP

    1D AGO

    Episode 5 - From Idea to Invention - An Exploration in IP

    What happens between having an idea… and filing a patent? In Episode 5 of Patent Matters, we explore the often-overlooked — and highly critical — “murky space” where innovation becomes intellectual property. Our guest, Gyde Balzer Carstensen, European Patent Attorney and founder of PATENTsmarter™, brings deep experience working with biotech and life science startups, as well as evaluating early-stage portfolios for investment and acquisition. Her perspective is clear: too many innovations fail not because of weak technology, but because they are not commercially thought through.  This episode dives into how business strategy must drive patent strategy — not the other way around. We cover:  How to assess novelty, patentability, and real competitive space  Why patent databases are powerful tools for both protection and inspiration  The importance of Freedom to Operate (FTO) — and identifying “show blockers” early  Why 90% of technical disclosures exist only in patent literature  When to patent vs. rely on trade secrets  How startups can use IP intelligence to pivot early and avoid costly mistakes Gyde also shares practical frameworks and hard-earned lessons, including:  The “Stop–Think–Options–Protect–Go–Repeat” approach to innovation  Why founders should pitch what their idea does — not how it works  The risks of using AI tools with confidential invention details  Common pitfalls in budgeting, team collaboration, and internal communication This episode is a must-listen for founders, innovators, and anyone working at the intersection of technology, business, and IP. Because in IP, the most important decisions are often made before anything is filed. Interested in learning more or getting in touch with Gyde? visit her website Hosts: Mie Rasmussen and Jonathan Skovholt

    1h 1m
  2. Episode 4 - An Inside Look at Patents in The Corporate World

    JAN 20

    Episode 4 - An Inside Look at Patents in The Corporate World

    What does patent strategy really look like inside a large, innovation-driven corporation? In this episode of Patent Matters, hosts Mie Rasmussen and Dave Hunt go inside the corporate IP function with Lars Balzer Nielsen, a veteran patent leader with 25 years of experience shaping patent strategy in the diabetes and obesity care industry. Drawing on his background as a former patent examiner, European patent attorney, and PhD in chemical engineering, Lars shares a rare, candid perspective on how large companies make real-world IP decisions — far beyond theory and checklists. Together, they explore: How patent strategy should support business strategy — not exist on its ownWhen to patent vs. keep innovations as trade secretsHow companies decide where to file patents under budget and uncertaintyManaging long product life cycles, evolving portfolios, and freedom-to-operate risksBuilding strong, cross-functional IP teams across science, legal, and businessPreparing for litigation, competition, and the unexpectedWhat startups and universities should consider when building early patent portfoliosLars also shares five hard-earned principles for managing corporate IP teams — from relationship-building and long-term thinking to clear communication and courageous decision-making. Whether you work inside a corporation, advise innovative companies, or are simply curious about how major players protect and defend innovation, this episode offers an inside look you won’t want to miss.

    40 min
  3. Episode 3 - Navigating Patentability: AI in Modern Patent Searches

    12/02/2025

    Episode 3 - Navigating Patentability: AI in Modern Patent Searches

    Welcome back to Patent Matters! In this episode, COO Brad Buehler and co-founder Jonathan Skovholt dive into the world of patentability searching—the critical process of determining if your invention is truly novel. They discuss how professional searching has evolved over the past three decades, moving from physical search rooms to sophisticated digital platforms.   🔍 What You'll Learn The Evolution of Searching: Hear about the drastic changes in patent searching, from dial-up to the specialized, technology-focused approach used today.The Power of AI: Brad and Jonathan explore how Artificial Intelligence is now considered the "fourth pillar" of patent searching, making analysts faster and more effective.Generative AI (GenAI): Get a breakdown of the surprising rise of GenAI (GPT-style models) and its role in analysis, summarization, and quickly getting a "lay of the land" on complex patent documents.Automated Searching: When is an AI-only search enough? The discussion focuses on using automated searching for cost-effective and rapid first-pass analysis, especially for making quick filing decisions and screening a high volume of invention disclosures.The Human Element: Discover the key pitfalls of blindly trusting algorithms and why the expertise of a professional searcher—understanding technology and IP law—remains vital for comprehensive and high-quality results.  Whether you're an inventor, an IP professional, or simply curious about how technology is changing legal analysis, this episode offers essential insights into how AI is redefining the future of innovation protection.

    47 min

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Patents fuel major business and legal decisions, but navigating them requires special skills and focus. The Patent Matters podcast discusses best practices in the searching, prosecution, and management of this form of IP.