FWD Thinking

To celebrate World IP Day 2026 on 26 April, the Fox Williams IP team have launched a special series of episodes on our Forward Thinking podcast, exploring a range of topics. In our final episode, Lucy Marlow is joined by Rachel Williams from Women in Sport to discuss the evolving landscape of women's sport, highlighting both the progress being made and the challenges that remain. They cover topics including: Emerging innovation in sports products, health tech, and growing trends in sponsorship and visibility.  The role of Women in Sport and the key barriers still facing women and girls.  The impact of research gaps on participation, performance and product development.  The importance of male allyship and what the future of women's sport could look like. Thank you for following our World IP Day series this week, we hope the episodes have provided valuable insights.

As part of our World IP Day series,  we share some the most asked questions and misconceptions. This short episode covers commonly misunderstood points around IP terminology and everyday brand use, including the difference between TM and ®, what copyright notices do (and do not do), and how these concepts are often applied in real business scenarios. While these issues may seem straightforward, they can create uncertainty in how brands are presented and managed, particularly in fast-moving businesses where decisions are made quickly across teams. This episode is designed as a practical reset on the basics that underpin day-to-day IP use. This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode, we discuss some of the more substantive misconceptions that can affect how intellectual property is protected, owned and enforced in practice. The discussion covers a range of issues that frequently arise for growing and established businesses, including: Whether registering a company name or domain name provides brand protection How trademark rights operate across different jurisdictions What can and cannot be protected, including the limits of protecting ideas Ownership of IP created by employees, consultants and collaborators The importance of confidentiality and managing disclosure Risks associated with using third-party content How copyright infringement is assessed in practice What "patent pending" and registered design rights actually mean The episode highlights how these misconceptions can lead to gaps in protection, challenges with enforcement, or disputes over ownership if not addressed early. This is a more detailed look at the legal and commercial realities behind IP, and how to avoid common pitfalls as your business evolves. This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

To mark World IP Day, we share the 15 practical tips to help businesses manage, protect and extract value from their intellectual property.  The episode covers the full lifecycle of IP, from initial audit through to enforcement and commercialisation. It looks at how businesses can identify gaps in their existing rights, protect brands early, and ensure their IP strategy keeps pace with commercial growth.  Key topics include: Conducting an effective IP audit and identifying gaps in protection Protecting trademarks early and planning for international expansion Securing domain names and social media handles as part of brand strategy Maintaining consistent use of brand assets to support enforcement Avoiding common pitfalls around ownership, disclosure and third-party content Monitoring and enforcing rights, and responding to infringement Commercialising IP through licensing, assignment and wider business strategy The discussion also highlights practical risks that arise in real business scenarios, including diluted brand protection, challenges with enforcing rights, and the impact of inconsistent IP strategies over time.  This episode is intended for in-house counsel, brand teams and business leaders in a commercial context.  This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.  

Welcome to our podcast series Founder Stories. In today's episode, we're joined by Chantal Epp, founder and CEO of ClicknClear, a music rights tech company delivering officially licensed music to athletes, teams, and performing arts ensembles around the world who use music in their routines. What began as a personal passion for Cheerleading and the challenge of not having the right to use music in performance inspired Chantal to launch ClicknClear. Her mission is to ensure everyone has access to the music they need while solving the complex music licensing issues faced by the sports and performance industries. Tune in to hear more about Chantal's journey to becoming a founder, her investment experience, and her hopes for the future. Find out more about ClicknClear at clicknclear.com

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Claire Given founder of Equipmii. Equipmii was founded by Claire Given, who was born with one hand, frustrated by years of buying products—from prams to hair appliances—only to find them difficult to use, she began to challenge to status quo. Equipmii aims to make shopping work for everybody! Listen to the episode to hear more about Claire's journey to becoming a founder and creating her business.  You can find out more about Equipmii on their website: https://equipmii.com/ You can also watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gtArAC3doc 

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Wendy Jephson CEO and Co-founder of Let's Think. Let's Think is a software company with a vision to help the people of the world think brilliantly. Bridging the gap between Generative AI architectures and breakthrough research in Human Expertise Formalisation, their pioneering Behavioural Science AI technology is evolving legal tech software beyond automation tools that think for you to science-led technology that helps you think. Listen to the episode to hear more about Wendy's journey to becoming a founder and creating her business. You can find out more about Let's Think on their website: https://letsthink.com/  You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXrSG8yx1bE

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Catherine Chan CEO of Juice. Juice provides e-commerce businesses with the nutrients to grow healthily. With Lines of Credit and Strategic Guidance, they empower every founder to create informed decision-making processes. Listen to the episode to hear more about Catherine's journey to becoming a CEO and creating her business. You can find out more about Juice on their website: https://www.getmejuice.com/  You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XApWu8xi7d0

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Zainab Alebiosu founder of MedPort. MedPort is a leading telemedicine provider committed to transforming the healthcare experience. They provide a comprehensive range of telemedicine services, allowing patients to consult with healthcare professionals from around the world from the comfort of their own homes. Listen to the episode to hear more about Zainab's journey to becoming a founder and creating MedPort. You can find out more about MedPort on their website: https://themedport.com/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: 

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Thembisa Cochrane from Caspian Films. Caspian Films is a production company founded in 2018 by producers Thembisa Cochrane and Georgie Paget to make engaging, entertaining films with unique voices and fresh perspectives for international audiences. Listen to the episode to hear more about Thembisa's journey to becoming a founder and creating her business. You can find out more about Caspian Films on their website: https://www.caspianfilms.net/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/8tkYqwAMC2g 

Welcome to our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak with Laura Salisbury from KnitRegen. KnitRegen is an award winning wearable MedTech start-up developing patent-pending 'wearable therapy', in the form of smart textile components that are integrated into everyday garments. Listen to the episode to hear more about her journey to becoming a founder and developing KnitRegen.   You can find out more about KnitRegen on their website: https://www.knitregen.com/. For further information about our work with female founders, please contact us at: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/ 

Welcome back to series two of our podcast series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode we speak with Danielle Close, founder of My Skin Feels. My Skin Feels is a skincare brand, created by Danielle, with the mission to make products that focus on how they make you feel, all the while being as planet-friendly, people-friendly and skin-friendly as possible. Listen to the episode to hear more about her journey to becoming a founder and creating her brand, or watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u49VV5lkHc  You can find out more about My Skin Feels on their website: https://www.myskinfeels.com/ and if you are interested in being involved in our founder series or network, please get in touch: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/ 

Welcome back to another episode our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak to Annabel Sharpe and Radhika Srinivasan, co-founders of H Salon they share their journey to becoming a founders. Annabel and Radhika created H Salon as a solution to thier own hair struggles, delveoping products to help with scalp health and hair growth. If you are interested in learning more about H Salon and their products, please follow the link: https://www.hsalon.uk/category/all-products  Listen to the episode to hear more about their journey.  If you are interested in being involved in our underrepresented founder and investor sessions, please get in contact: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to another episode our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak to Nneka Fleming, co-founder of Airfro, she shares her journey to becoming a founder. Airfro offers natural haircare solutions for active lifestyles and was co-founded by Nneka when she struggled to find hair products that worked for her and her kid's curly hair. She created her brand with natural ingredients that are fast and effective, that look after curls and textures really easily. Listen to the episode to hear more about her journey.  If you are interested in being involved in our underrepresented founder and investor sessions, please get in contact: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to another episode our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak to Liliana Reasor, founder of Suprafin, she shares her journey to becoming a founder. Suprafin offers Risk & Compliance Intelligence Solutions for companies. Using their Gen AI platform, automates risk management and compliance tasks, helping companies improve efficiency and reduce risk.  Listen to the episode now.  If you are interested in being involved in our underrepresented founder and investor sessions, please get in touch: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to another episode our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak to Jane Fisher, founder of Imii, she shares her journey to becoming a founder. Imii is an app created to be your digital assistant for moving abroad. It helps with practical advice on housing, healthcare, legal paperwork, and even connects you to local communities and resources. Jane created this app following her experience of immigrating to the UK, and wanted to help others with this process and make it easier.  If you are interested in being apart of our underrepresented founder and investor sessions, please get in touch: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to another episode our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode, we speak to Tatiana Botskina, founder of Deriskly, she shares her journey to becoming a founder. Deriskly is an AI solutions focused business that allows regulated businesses to enhance customer understanding of their communications. Tatiana talks about her journey to creating Deriskly, the challenges she's overcome and what she hopes Deriskly can provide for others. We hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did when recording it. If you are interested in being involved in our underrepresented founder and investor sessions, please contact with us: https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to episode four of our series 'Founder Stories'.In today's episode, we speak to Jodhi Aghimien, founder of PullFit, she shares her journey to becoming a founder.   PullFit is an online marketplace where stylists and brands can connect, conduct business and raise their portfolios. As a stylist and costume designer herself, Jodhi knows first-hand the struggles of getting access to brands and clothes for your clients, so she developed Pullfit to help bridge this gap.   We hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did when recording it.   For more information in our underrepresented founder and investor mornings, please get in contact with us  https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/. 

Welcome back to episode three of our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode we speak to Bilkis Miah, founder of You Be You who shares her journey to becoming a founder. You Be You is a life skills app developed for children in schools, celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and empowering young minds with essential life skills. Bilkis shares her inspiring story and journey and shares her passion of helping young people foster life skills. Listen to the episode below.

Welcome back to episode two of our series 'Founder Stories'. In today's episode we speak to Alexandra Oti, co-founder of Unravel Health who shares her journey to becoming a founder. Our founder stories series shines a light on the remarkable journeys of underrepresented founders. As part of our ongoing efforts to support diverse entrepreneurial talent, we've created a platform where these inspiring people share their stories, lessons learned, and the unique challenges they've overcome. Throughout this series, we'll delve into the personal business journeys of our guests, explore pivotal moments that shaped their success, and uncover invaluable insights for other aspiring entrepreneurs. We hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did when recording it.

Welcome to our brand new podcast Forward Thinking. Our first series 'Founder Stories' shines a light on the remarkable journeys of underrepresented founders. As part of our ongoing efforts to support diverse entrepreneurial talent, we've created a platform where these inspiring people share their stories, lessons learned, and the unique challenges they've overcome. Throughout this series, we'll delve into the personal business journeys of our guests, explore pivotal moments that shaped their success, and uncover invaluable insights for other aspiring entrepreneurs. In our first episode, we speak to Claire Reach, co-founder of MAP Health who shares her journey to becoming a founder. At Fox Williams, we're committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented founders by connecting them with investors and legal teams, helping them access the guidance and support that can be crucial to a business's growth and success. We hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did when recording it. For more information in our underrepresented founder and investor mornings, please get in contact with us https://www.foxwilliams.com/contact-us/.