Inside ChatGPT

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have rapidly transformed how we interact with machines - powering everything from customer service bots to creative writing assistants. But what’s really going on under the hood when you ask ChatGPT a question? ChatGPT might feel like magic, but in reality it’s powered by some fascinating maths and technology. In this session, we’ll lift the lid on how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT actually work, in a way that’s clear, engaging, and jargon-free.

We’ll start with a quick look at how machines have learned to understand language over time, leading to today’s breakthroughs in AI. From there, we’ll explore how LLMs are trained, how they represent and generate language, and what makes them capable of producing coherent, context-aware responses. Key concepts such as tokenization, attention mechanisms, and probabilistic text generation will be unpacked in an accessible way, with practical examples drawn from ChatGPT’s behaviour.

You’ll come away from this lecture with an understanding of the principles behind LLMs, without needing a background in computer science. Whether you're in business, education, or just curious about AI, this talk will help you grasp what makes ChatGPT tick and why it matters.

THE SPEAKER:  Thomas Mahon, Partner at Page White Farrer
 
Tom is a European Patent Attorney and Chartered Patent Attorney with academic degrees in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. He specialises in protecting computer-implemented and software-based inventions, and advises clients on developing and executing IP strategies that align with their commercial goals.

Tom leads the AI & Data Science team at Page White Farrer (PWF), where he works closely with UK and European technology companies, particularly those at the forefront of AI and machine learning. His clients range from startups to established businesses developing cutting-edge AI models, applications, and the specialised hardware that powers them. Tom also has a wealth of experience in patenting other emerging technologies, and is considered an expert on blockchain technology in particular.

Page White Farrer is one of Europe’s leading firms of specialist patent and trade mark attorneys, with offices in London, Leeds, Exeter, Oxford, and Munich. Our firm supports a diverse client base - from multinational corporations to individual inventors - across all aspects of intellectual property law.