How is AI changing the rules of intellectual property, and what should founders be doing about it? In this debut episode of Startup Builders & Backers, we tackle one of the most pressing and under-discussed areas in the startup space: the legal impact of AI.

I’m joined by Alex Watt, commercial IP lawyer at Howard Kennedy and leader of the firm’s startup programme, Ignite. With deep expertise across licensing, branding, advertising, and digital rights, Alex offers a practical perspective on how emerging technologies are testing the limits of today’s IP frameworks.

We explore the growing debate around copyright exemptions for AI training, the risks of unclear ownership in AI-generated content, and why startups must revisit their licensing agreements as AI becomes part of the product stack. The conversation also covers how legal teams are preparing for AI-generated influencers, how the metaverse might bring IP into uncharted territory, and what it really takes to futureproof your startup’s rights in an increasingly automated world.

If you’re building something new and wondering how to safeguard it—this episode offers clarity. Alex also shares advice on early-stage IP protection, from trademarks to SEIS/EIS structuring, and why getting this right at the outset saves significant pain down the line.

As AI accelerates innovation across industries, how can startups strike the right balance between moving fast and staying protected? And what new rules are likely to emerge in the years ahead? Tune in and join the conversation. I’d love to hear your take.