Clause 8
by Eli Mazour
Clause 8 is the long-form IP podcast hosted by Eli Mazour, featuring conversations with the people and forces shaping the patent system.Its audience includes sophisticated in-house counsel, judges, IP policymakers, senior USPTO officials, patent dealmakers, and leading practitioners. The show is designed to help listeners stay ahead of the curve by understanding not just the latest patent developments, but the personalities, incentives, and institutions behind them.Clause 8 features conversations that provide strategic insight into patent law, policy, innovation, licensing, and other issues affecting the IP community. Past guests have included major American innovators, federal judges, USPTO Directors, senior IP staff on Capitol Hill, in-house leaders, patent dealmakers — and Carole Baskin’s attorney from Tiger King.Law360 featured Clause 8 first in its 2026 list of “5 Podcasts to Keep IP Attys Entertained and Informed,” describing its guests as “a bit of a who’s who of IP law.”Cla
Episodes
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“Nobody Won Until I Won”: Perry Saidman, the Godfather of Design Law
Perry Saidman passed away on October 15, 2026, less than a month after we recorded this conversation. Perry built the market for design patents. His win in Avia v. LA Gear, a sneaker knockoff case, helped prove design patents could be enforced. He co-founded and led the firm that became Sterne...
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Coke Morgan Stewart Tells Her Story
When Coke Morgan Stewart became acting director of the USPTO, much of the patent world knew little about her. In this episode of Clause 8, Stewart, now President and CEO of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP), sits down with host Eli Mazour to tell her own story and explain the how and…
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How Patent Litigation Really Moves: IAM, IP Fray, and MLex Reporters on the Year in IP
To open the season, host Eli Mazour brings together three journalists who cover intellectual property for a living: Olivia Rafferty of IP Fray, Nisha Shetty of IAM, and Inbar Preiss of MLex. They discuss what happens when patent litigation concentrates in a few courts, from Germany's dominance at...
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Via Eyes "De Facto" Standards for Future Pools
Kevin Mack, the new president of Via Licensing Alliance, joins Eli for the Clause 8 season finale. Kevin talks about Via's plans to build its next patent pools around "de facto" standards — technology the market adopted on its own, with no standards body behind it — which would push collaborative...
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AI Boom Calls for New Copyright Law, Says USPTO Chief Behind the DMCA
Bruce Lehman, head of USPTO from 1993 to 1998, joins Clause 8 for a wide-ranging conversation about the modern IP system, the internet boom, and why the AI era may require a new copyright response from Congress. Lehman helped shape internet-era copyright policy from the USPTO, including the work...
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The AI Patent Team Alice Built Shares Its Prosecution Secrets
When Alice came down in 2014, much of the patent prosecution bar reacted with denial. Most practitioners hoped the USPTO, the Federal Circuit, or Congress would clean things up — and that adding some magic language to claims and specifications would eventually be enough. Eli Mazour and Ngai…
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Inventor Gilbert Hyatt's gift to America — will America accept it?
President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pride themselves on being dealmakers and on making the kind of unconventional deals for America no one else could have gotten done. Gil Hyatt is offering them one that sounds like a no-brainer. However, the question remains whether that...
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The Hidden Costs of “Free” Patent Licensing Initiatives
Is anything in the patent world ever really free? That question anchors a new Clause 8 conversation between host Eli Mazour and Professor Kristen Osenga, a University of Richmond law professor and one of the leading academic voices on standard essential patents. At the center of the discussion is...
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USPTO Director John Squires' 'Foxhole Buddy' Tells All, Previews Message at Upcoming House Hearing
The story of how John Squires became USPTO Director doesn’t start inside the Beltway. It starts on the Appalachian Trail, with Doug Pittman camping under shooting stars the night after Trump won the election. Pittman — a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and self-described “foxhole buddy” and...
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The USPTO Is Changing Course. The Early Examination Data Tells a More Complicated Story.
Eli Mazour is joined by Juristat’s Francesca Cruz and patent attorney Clint Mehall to look at what the examination data actually says about recent USPTO changes. The conversation moves past anecdotes to analyze how new examiner performance appraisal plan (PAP), new Section 101 guidance, and the…
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From DABUS to ChatGPT and Beyond: How AI Is Reshaping Patent Law
Artificial intelligence has been raising foundational questions for patent law long before generative tools entered the mainstream. In this episode of Clause 8, host Eli Mazour speaks with Wen Xie, U.S. Patent Attorney and Founder of Lux Lumen Intellectual Property, about how legal thinking…
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How Senator Tillis’ Patent Leadership Provides Path for Cementing Recent USPTO Action
In the latest episode of Clause 8, recorded in December 2025, Eli Mazour sits down with Peter-Anthony Pappas, Director of Intellectual Property Policy for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary under Senator Thom Tillis, at a moment when the USPTO’s direction is in significant alignment with...
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Head of IP’s Playbook for the AI Infrastructure Boom
How do you protect the IP of a rapidly growing technology company in the dynamic AI sector without slowing engineers or missing what really matters? That question is at the center of this episode of Clause 8, where host Eli Mazour sat down with Subroto Bose, Head of IP at Astera Labs, at the VIA...
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HP’s Chief IP Counsel on the Advice that Propelled Her Success
While many people talk about mentorship, HP’s Chief IP Counsel Ceyda Maisami and Tradespace’s VP of IP Operations & Client Success Marcia Chang actually live it. In this episode, Ceyda and Marcia join Clause 8 host Eli Mazour for a wide-ranging conversation about mentorship, what it really takes…
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Dolby’s Chief Patent Counsel & Head of Audio Patents on Building Valuable Patent Portfolios in Uncertain Times
At the 2025 Via Licensing Alliance Bridge Summit in San Francisco, Brian Dorini, Senior Director at Dolby, and Tyrome Brown, Dolby’s Chief Patent Counsel, offered a clear-eyed look at the state of patent pools and the shifting realities of the global SEP ecosystem. Far from being outdated...
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USPTO’s “One-and-Done” PTAB Approach and its Impact on the Patent Policy Debate
Recent changes at USPTO are increasingly shaping the context in which Congress considers potential patent legislation. In the latest episode of Clause 8, the focus turns to how the USPTO’s evolving approach to post-grant proceedings at the PTAB is shaping the broader patent policy debate—and...
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Novartis’ Global Head of IP Affairs on How Patent Eligibility Mess Threatens Life-Saving Innovation & Why He Remains Optimistic
Corey Salsberg, one of the leading voices on intellectual property policy in the United States, joins Clause 8 to discuss surviving the anti-pharma activism of the last administration, why he’s encouraged by the current administration’s approach to patent policy, and even the scientific…
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Pioneers of the Modern Patent Pool Era at Via's Bridge Summit 2025
At the Via Licensing Alliance’s Bridge Summit 2025 in San Francisco, Clause 8 host Eli Mazour sat down with two leaders who ushered in the modern age of patent pools: Garrard Beeney, founder of Sullivan & Cromwell’s IP practice, and John Sideris, Principal Licensing Counsel at Philips. Their...
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Exclusive Interview: USPTO Deputy Commissioner Explains Changes to Examiner Performance Plan
In this episode of Clause 8, Deputy Commissioner for Patents Jerry Lorengo joins host Eli Mazour to share valuable, practical insights for patent professionals navigating the USPTO’s new Performance Appraisal Plan (PAP). Jerry discusses what’s changed in the latest update — including the revised...
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“The Inventress” Lisa Ascolese on the Realities of Being an Inventor: You Can’t Skip the Work
When I first heard about Lisa Ascolese, known as “The Inventress,” I knew I wanted to bring her story to Clause 8. Lisa’s path into inventing began after her family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where her creativity and curiosity found room to grow. She started inventing at a young age, driven by...
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Secrets to Successfully Licensing in Asia from Via LA's Chief Licensing Officer & HDMI LA's President
At the Via LA 2025 Bridge Summit in San Francisco, Clause 8 host Eli Mazour sat down with two leaders who play pivotal roles in connecting innovators and licensees around the world: * Jane Bu, Chief Licensing Officer at Via LA, the world’s largest patent pool. (You can listen to Eli’s previous...
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Ex–USPTO Deputy Laura Peter on How America Benefits from University Research and Proposals to Seize IP
Tech transfer has long been a critical but often overlooked part of the intellectual property system. For decades, the Bayh-Dole Act has guided how federally funded research moves from university labs into the marketplace. The system has generated hundreds of thousands of inventions and startups…
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Why Creativity Needs Ownership: James Edwards on the Biblical Roots of IP & the Future of Patents
In To Invent Is Divine: Creativity and Ownership, Jim makes the case that creativity and ownership are inseparable—and that weakening intellectual property rights threatens the flourishing that invention enables. He draws connections between faith, history, and policy to explore why protecting...
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USPTO Changes, Patent Trends, and Judge Newman Through the Lens of Top IP Journalists
From Coke Morgan Stewart’s decisive actions at the USPTO, to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s unexpected “patent tax” trial balloon, to the ongoing Federal Circuit drama — it felt impossible to figure out where to start telling the story. The only way to make sense of it all was to bring in...
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Coke Morgan Stewart Ushers in New Era at USPTO
PTO 'whistleblower' Julie Burke and patent prosecution guru Clint Mehall join Eli on the season finale of Clause 8 to break down what’s happening at the USPTO—and what’s still left to be done. On this episode, they discuss: *Insights from the Reddit r/patentexaminer thread *Previous and current...
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Finding the Truth in Patent Valuations—Top 3 Experts Weigh In
What is the actual value of patents? Inventors and companies invest millions in obtaining patents, believing they are valuable assets. Yet, their true worth is rarely quantified. For this episode of Clause 8, Eli Mazour brings together three of the most insightful experts in the patent valuation...
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How the World's Largest Patent Pool Connects Innovators and Implementers
Host Eli Mazour talks with Heath Hoglund, President of Via LA, to break down the role of patent pools in today’s innovation landscape. Tune in as they discuss: *The balance between licensors and licensees—and how Via LA acts as a bridge between them *Merger of Via Licensing and MPEG LA in 2003 to...
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Exclusive: USPTO Union Head Hopeful & Working Well with Leadership
Kathy Duda is the President of The Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), which is the union representing USPTO patent examiners. On this episode, she discusses why she remains hopeful amidst current uncertainty around new return to office policies. In the episode, she also discusses:...
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The Remaining Power of the US Patent System
Join Eli Mazour as he explores the vital role of the U.S. patent system in fostering innovation. Entrepreneur Patrick Murray shares his journey from ideation to patent acquisition with Radium Payments, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in business validation. Lisa Mueller, host…
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Right Choice for USPTO: Coke Morgan Stewart
In this special episode of Clause 8, Eli shares why Coke Morgan Stewart is the perfect person to lead the USPTO. Eli discusses why her selection excites him and the broader implications for the intellectual property field. Reflecting on past directorships and the challenges faced by the USPTO…
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Choice of Next USPTO Director in the Shadow of Patents Saving Cantor Fitzgerald After 9/11
What better way to wrap up 2024 than a conversation around the future of the USPTO with David Boundy. David is one of the sharpest minds at the intersection of administrative law and intellectual property. Plus, during his tenure at Cantor Fitzgerald, David worked closely with its visionary CEO,...
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Soft IP in the Start-up Nation with Ariel Dubinsky
Earlier this year, Eli had the opportunity to spend a day in Israel with Ariel Dubinsky, the founder and owner of Ariel Dubinsky Law Firm. While there, Eli learned that Ariel is at the heart of Israel’s dynamic intellectual property ecosystem. Ariel mainly focuses on trademarks and copyright…
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What’s Keeping Corporate IP Leaders Awake These Days
In this special episode of Clause 8, host Eli Mazour takes us behind the scenes of the Consero IP Forum, where he spoke with IP leaders about common pain points and solutions. Guests include: * Dimitri Kirimis, Lead Counsel at Cruise * Scott Miller, Chief IP Counsel at Zoetis * Joel Meyer, VP of…
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Building an IP Strategy for the Final Frontier: A Conversation with Bridget Smith of Relativity Space 🚀
This week’s Clause 8 episode features Bridget Smith, Assistant General Counsel and Director, Intellectual Property at Relativity Space—the first company to successfully create and launch a 3D-printed rocket. 🚀 Bridget, who previously made waves as a top PTAB practitioner, is now at the helm of…
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Exclusive: USPTO AI Co-Chairs Reassure Stakeholders on Guidance & Share Journey of Shaping USPTO's Approach to AI
Jerry Ma, Director of Emerging Technologies and Chief AI Officer, and Charles Kim, Deputy Commissioner for the USPTO tell story of co-chairing USPTO's AI working group - sharing insights on USPTO's AI tools guidance, applying §101 for AI-related inventions, and leveraging AI for examination....
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IP Strategy at Walmart: Balancing Innovation, Protection, and Practicality in a Global Retail Giant
In the ever-evolving world of retail, where technology and innovation are reshaping the industry, managing intellectual property has never been more important. Sri Atluri, Walmart’s Chief IP Counsel, knows this all too well. In this episode of Clause 8 with host Eli Mazour, Sri emphasizes the...
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Qualcomm's General Counsel Ann Chaplin on Patents Fueling Innovation
In this special episode of Clause 8, host Eli Mazour speaks with Ann Cathcart Chaplin at the Qualcomm Museum, which is right at the heart of Qualcomm’s headquarters in San Diego. Ann shares her journey from being an IP litigator to in-house counsel and from GM to Qualcomm. As General Counsel of...
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Avanci Vehicle President Laurie Fitzgerald on Building SEP's Field of Dreams
Laurie Fitzgerald joins Eli to tell the story of how she led Avanci to an 8-year overnight success. Avanci’s pioneering efforts to provide an efficient, simpler option for the automotive industry to license cellular SEPs are now widely heralded as one of the greatest stories of successful...
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Alec Sorensen on Keeping IP Rembrandts Out of the Attic
What is the value of protecting intellectual property (IP)? That’s the fundamental question that most Chief IP Counsel need time to answer to help their companies succeed. However, they’re often bogged down by the daily demands of leading teams that are doing what’s necessary to make sure that...
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Re-Release: The Great 101 Debate
We’re looking forward to sharing new episodes from this season starting next Tuesday, including special video episodes on www.VoiceOfIP.com and a series of interviews with the most significant corporate IP leaders in America. In the meantime, we wanted to share episodes released this summer…
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Judge Dyk Defends Today's Federal Circuit
Federal Circuit Judge Timothy Dyk discusses his memoir and provides priceless insights into how the Federal Circuit is operating today - 42 years after it was created in 1982 and 24 years after Dyk was confirmed to serve on it in 2000. This episode explores Dyk's perspectives on judges serving...
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Brazil Becoming the Mecca for Patent Enforcement & Chief IP Counsel Seeking Valuable Patents
Clause 8 Podcast Show Notes Rob Rodrigues and Tatiana Alves - Brazil’s go-to attorneys for strong patent protection and effective enforcement - join Eli to talk about founding RNA Law and offer insider perspectives on successfully navigating the Brazilian patent system. Rob discusses how Brazil’s...
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Iancu & Jones Debate Section 101 and Find Common Ground
Clause 8 favorites - former USPTO Director Andrei Iancu and HTIA’s David Jones - return for the first ever Clause 8 debate! They debate Section 101, find common ground, and discuss possible paths forward for improving the state of patent eligibility in America. Selected Topics * Impact of Federal...
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Erich Spangenberg on How to Succeed in Patent Monetization
His critics have called him “one of the most notorious patent trolls in America.” Many others have tried and failed to emulate his success. However, it’s hard to deny that Erich Spangenberg is in many ways a singular visionary in the world of patents. If there are celebrities in the patent world,...
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Moneyball for Pharma Patents with Chief IP Counsel Steve Caltrider
Why does an $850 billion pharma company obtain only 50 patents per year? Steve Caltrider, Chief IP Counsel at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, brings over 35 years of experience building valuable pharma patent portfolios and championing patent policies that promote innovation. Before Dana Farber,...
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IP Fray's Legendary Publisher on What Will Happen with EU's SEP Regulation & AI’s Impact on Patent Law
Florian Mueller shares his remarkable journey from leading a major fight against pro-software patent legislation in Europe to becoming one of the most influential voices in the IP world. For over a decade, his FOSS Patents blog became the go-to destination for anyone who wanted to follow...
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IBM's Chief Patent Counsel for Americas Mark Vallone on Changing Patent Portfolio Strategy
For almost 30 years - under the leadership of giants like Marshall Phelps, David Kappos, and Manny Schechter, IBM led in obtaining the most patents per year. However, in 2020, IBM made the decision to no longer pursue the goal of “numeric patent leadership.” It went from obtaining over 8500…
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Chief Counsel John Lee on Bicameral, Bipartisan Efforts to Advance Section 101 & PTAB Legislation
J. John Lee is the Chief Counsel for IP in the US House of Representatives and helms the House Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, which is chaired by Congressman Darrell Issa. In that role, he is one of only four staffers in Congress who focus on IP issues and help…
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Europe's New Unified Patent Court: Exclusive Interview with Judge Michael Fleuchaus
In this special two-part episode, we delve into the creation, implementation, and strategic importance of Europe's Unified Patent Court (UPC) with UPC Judge Michael Fleuchaus and Dr. Benjamin Grau. The first part of the show highlights Judge Fleuchaus' experience as a newly appointed technical...
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Resetting the Narrative on IP Rights in America
This year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and thought leaders in support of a framework of IP Principles. These IP Principles are part of an initiative to help America overcome a sustained effort to demonize intellectual property rights over the last...
About this show
Clause 8 is the long-form IP podcast hosted by Eli Mazour, featuring conversations with the people and forces shaping the patent system.Its audience includes sophisticated in-house counsel, judges, IP policymakers, senior USPTO officials, patent dealmakers, and leading practitioners. The show is designed to help listeners stay ahead of the curve by understanding not just the latest patent developments, but the personalities, incentives, and institutions behind them.Clause 8 features conversations that provide strategic insight into patent law, policy, innovation, licensing, and other issues affecting the IP community. Past guests have included major American innovators, federal judges, USPTO Directors, senior IP staff on Capitol Hill, in-house leaders, patent dealmakers — and Carole Baskin’s attorney from Tiger King.Law360 featured Clause 8 first in its 2026 list of “5 Podcasts to Keep IP Attys Entertained and Informed,” describing its guests as “a bit of a who’s who of IP law.”Cla
Hosted by
Eli Mazour