Eleanor Wilson, Associate at Mishcon de Reya — On Intellectual Property, Fashion Law and the Future of AI

In this episode, Eleanor Wilson, associate at Mishcon de Reya specialising in intellectual property litigation, shares her unconventional route into law and explains how an early fascination with copyright and creativity led her into the world of IP litigation.Ellie reflects on discovering intellectual property law while still at school through literature, theatre and music, including negotiating copyright permissions for a youth theatre production and later developing a deep interest in how law protects creative works and innovation.The conversation explores her non-linear career path through academia, policy and legal practice, including working at the Law Commission of England and Wales on intellectual property reform before qualifying as a solicitor.Ellie discusses the importance of staying open-minded early in your career, trying different practice areas and pursuing genuine interests rather than simply following traditional legal career paths.Ellie also shares the unusual story of how helping a family member with a motorcycle-related IP dispute ultimately led to her securing a training contract at a specialist boutique IP firm in Leeds.The conversation explores the differences between working in a small boutique firm, a major US law firm and a UK international firm, including the trade-offs between responsibility, scale of work, culture and work-life balance.The episode also provides a fascinating insight into the breadth of intellectual property law, from fashion and music to food, software, trademarks, patents and confidential information disputes.Ellie discusses some of the major cases she has worked on, including the high-profile trademark dispute between Adidas and fashion designer Thom Browne involving stripe branding and trademark validity.The conversation explores how intellectual property law affects industries people may not immediately associate with IP, including food and drink, luxury brands, retail, technology and pharmaceuticals.Ellie also explains concepts including passing off, geographical indications and trade secrets, while discussing famous examples involving champagne, halloumi, oat milk and even lemon-shaped juice bottles.A major focus of the discussion is AI and legal technology, including the growing disputes surrounding AI training data, copyright ownership and the future regulation of generative AI systems.Ellie shares her perspective on how lawyers are actually using AI tools in practice today, including document comparison, proofreading and research assistance, while warning against over-reliance on AI-generated writing and applications.The episode also explores blockchain technology, NFTs and the potential future role of distributed ledgers in recording ownership and protecting intellectual property rights.Finally, Ellie discusses her pro bono work supporting small businesses and students through legal clinics, reflects on the importance of clear communication in legal advice and shares advice for aspiring lawyers on authenticity, curiosity and finding the right career path.00:00 Introduction  00:20 Meet Eleanor Wilson & Her Route Into IP Law  01:00 Discovering Copyright Through Dickens & Theatre  02:00 Negotiating Copyright Permissions at 17  03:00 Policy, Academia & The Law Commission  04:00 Keeping an Open Mind Early in Your Career  06:00 Working at the Law Commission  07:00 Unjustified Threats & IP Enforcement  09:00 The Motorcycle Dispute That Led to a Training Contract  11:00 Publishing Legal Writing & Building a Profile  14:00 Training at a Boutique IP Firm in Leeds  16:00 Moving to Kirkland & Ellis  17:00 US Law Firm Culture & High Performance Expectations  18:00 Joining Mishcon de Reya  19:00 Major IP Litigation & Confidential Information Cases  20:00 Adidas vs Thom Browne Explained  22:00 Fashion, Branding & Trademark Disputes  23:00 Why Food Law is Full of IP Issues  24:00 Champagne, Halloumi & Oat Milk Disputes  26:00 Patent Litigation & International Enforcement  29:00 AI, Copyright & Training Data Disputes  32:00 Blockchain, NFTs & Ownership Verification  35:00 Evergreening, Patents & Pharmaceutical IP  39:00 AI Tools in Legal Practice  42:00 Pro Bono Work & Supporting Small Businesses  44:00 Giving Clear Advice to Clients  46:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next