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Part of the Connected Bubbles event series
Sip and Paint, hosted by Appleyard Lees
Women in IP’s much‑loved Connected Bubbles networking series returns for 2026. Organised by Women in IP and hosted locally by Appleyard Lees, this relaxed and welcoming event is designed to help you build meaningful professional relationships without the formality of a traditional conference.
Join us for a two‑hour Sip and Paint session — an evening of drinks, creativity and conversation with fellow professionals from across the IP community.
5pm - 7pm
Wednesday 25th March 2026
Appleyard Lees office, The Lexicon, Manchester, M2 5NT
Why attend?
In a profession built on collaboration, referrals and trusted relationships, strong networks matter. Connected Bubbles is a coordinated, nationwide celebration of the IP community. On the same day, IP professionals across the UK will be coming together in multiple cities, creating a shared moment of connection from Scotland to the South West.
Connect
Build relationships beyond your immediate firm or organisation - you'll meet peers across private practice, in-house and related IP roles.
Learn
Exchange insights on industry trends and shared challenges.
Grow
Strengthen regional IP communities while being part of a UK-wide initiative
Harriet Bird
Patent Attorney
Harriet has a broad range of experience across a variety of mechanical, electrical and physics-related fields. She has a passion for medical and healthcare inventions, as well as interests in consumer electronics, aerospace, subsea engineering and construction equipment.
Rachel Mercer
Senior Associate
Rachel is a UK and European patent attorney who helps her clients protect their innovations in the biotechnology and life sciences fields. Rachel’s practice encompasses a wide range of technologies, ranging from cancer therapeutics and DNA technologies to probiotics, biomarkers and molecular biology techniques.
Alice Smart
Associate
Alice drafts and prosecutes patent applications for biotechnological inventions and has also been involved in oppositions concerning generic pharmaceuticals and has worked on both European and international plant variety filings.