AI hesitation in IP: 80% of professionals under pressure, but most still not convinced by AI’s transformative power

RWS report reveals the IP industry’s attitudes to AI

Maidenhead, UK
7/16/2025 9:00:00 AM

A new research report from RWS reveals that while 80% of IP professionals face mounting pressure to boost revenues and reduce costs, few are leveraging AI’s potential and embracing the very technology that could transform their future.

Although over 90% of professionals are aware of AI and intend to explore potential applications, concerns around accuracy and reliability remain the biggest barrier to adoption, according to 79% of respondents in RWS’s report ‘Why it’s time for IP to think bigger with AI.’ Two-thirds (62%) cite security and data protection as the second biggest barrier.

The report – which involved in-depth interviews with 312 global IP professionals across legal firms and corporates in 33 countries - investigates industry attitudes and expectations around AI and how professionals are embracing AI as part of their strategies.

“The IP sector has been slow to act – and that’s a missed opportunity. AI isn’t a replacement for human expertise, but when combined, it can reshape how IP teams operate, scale and deliver value.”

James Lacey, Senior Vice President at RWS

Woman looking at the sky covering her eyes with one hand.

While only a third (34%) of professionals have actively moved into operational or regular use of AI, several use cases have emerged from their adoption. These include using AI for patent translation and drafting, patent database optimization and patent / TM prospection interactions.

Interestingly almost one in ten (8%) of those questioned describe themselves as having no interest in or plans for AI. And when asked the expected benefits of AI, efficiencies, better automation and productivity were singled out by IP professionals.

Read the full report Why it’s time for IP to think bigger with AI.

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