Clay in St Andrews

Author Stephen Sweeney Licence CC NY-SA 2.0  Source Wikimedia Commons

 

Jane Lambert

Yesterday I attended a talk by Andrew Clay, a partner of Sonder & Clay and founder of TIPSY, entitled ‘IP Rights – a good thing or a capitalist attack on the intellectual commons?’ in the new seminar room of the Department of Medieval History at St Andrews.  I was there for two reasons.  The first was to support Andrew (having badgered him for some time to give this talk) and the Institute of Legal and Constitutional Research and the University of St Andrews Law Society, which hosted it.  The second reason was that I could combine attendance at Andrew's talk with a visit to the University of St Andrews's Eden Campus, which will host an Engaging and Supporting Female Founders: Connect-Ed Network Meet Up. 
this afternoon.

Andrew began his talk by explaining how and why he became a solicitor. He then projected a picture of James I and VI (a St Andrews alumnus) to introduce us to the Statute of Monopolies 1623 and the balance between incentivizing innovation and safeguarding competition. Similarly, he projected a picture of Prince Albert to lead us to Prince Albert v Strange, the foundation of our modern law of confidence. He covered trade marks, copyrights and design rights in much the same way. He then addressed the theme of his presentation and appeared to conclude that intellectual property rights were probably a good thing. He informed us that the Dutch had repealed their patent law in the belief that it was useless only to restore it some years later. He concluded his presentation with an overview of the IP cases on artificial intelligence.

Andrew fielded deftly several searching questions in the Q&A. The formal discussions ended with the arrival of wine and pizza but continued animatedly with the lubrication of the refreshments. I was pleased to see several of the students who took part in the moot that I judged last year (see Learning the Law at St Andrews - Mooting 6 Nov 2024). I was also delighted to meet Dr Victoria Miyandazi, with whom I had previously corresponded. After the meeting, the students kindly entertained Andrew and me to dinner and drinks at Aikmans.

My chambers offers an excellent programme of talks, workshops and court visits in September for students who are contemplating a career at the Bar in England or Wales.  Applications should be lodged by 11 May 2025 on our online form.   While I have no part in the selection process and there will be stiff competition from students from Bangor, Cambridge and King's College, London, whom I have also invited to apply, I am confident that students from St Andrews would have an excellent chance.   

Anyone wishing to discuss this article should call me on 020 7404 5252 during office hours or send me a message through my contact form at other times.