Beyond automation: How generative AI could transform the IP legal landscape

Contrary to the perception of the IP industry as slow-moving and risk-averse, our research paints a different picture. 92% of respondents are either already engaging with AI or planning to explore its applications. More than half (55%) have trialled or implemented AI in at least one use case, and only a small minority (8%) remain inactive.

 

This openness is encouraging, especially in a field where precision is crucial. IP legal professionals manage complex, high-stakes processes where even minor errors can result in the loss of valuable rights. The fact that so many are embracing AI speaks volumes about the technology’s growing credibility and potential.

While many organizations are leveraging AI for efficiency, productivity and cost savings, there’s a whole world of opportunities to explore beyond automation. The next frontier is transformation: that is, rethinking how work is done, how decisions are made, and how value is created through portfolio monetization.

 

This all sounds rather abstract, so what does it mean in practice? When it comes to portfolio monetization, for example, artificial intelligence could be used to identify infringements or licencing opportunities. In fact, a number of our survey respondents are already doing this.

 

Other potential uses include portfolio management, such as pinpointing underperforming assets or identifying gaps in the market for new technologies. AI could also be used to aid risk assessments, forecasting and competitive analyses.

So if all this is possible, why are we yet to see significant transformation? For some early adopters, the results have been underwhelming. There remain some hurdles of subtlety, nuance and precision that AI just can’t seem to clear.

 

Another significant roadblock is the readiness of IP management systems. For many IP professionals, their IPMS has become the go-to technology for managing workflows. Our research, however, suggests that many of these systems are behind the curve.

 

60% of our respondent organizations use an IPMS, yet only half are satisfied with its performance. It is therefore incumbent upon law firms and corporate legal departments to assess the readiness of their systems for AI integration, or risk being left behind. It should be noted, however, that future proofing is not just about adopting the right tools. It demands a redesign of processes and a shift in mindset. Organizations must be willing to reimagine workflows and explore how AI can create entirely new services, revenue streams, and even roles.

At RWS, we’ve embedded AI into our IP solutions through what we call a “Genuine Intelligence” approach, which combines the best of human expertise with cutting-edge technology. Our patent-trained machine translation engines, for instance, deliver not only cost savings but also improved quality and consistency. This hybrid model ensures that clients benefit from both speed and accuracy, without compromising on the rigour that IP demands.

 

We do not see AI as a replacement for human intelligence. We see it as a partner in delivering better outcomes. Whether it’s through enhanced translation, smarter research, or more efficient filing and renewals, AI is helping us - and our clients - stay ahead of the curve.

The findings from Ahead of the Game suggest that while many IP teams are still in the early stages of AI adoption, the most forward-thinking are already exploring how it can transform their business models. These are the teams asking bold questions: How can AI help us solve new problems? What new services could we offer? Where can we generate new value?

 

The IP sector stands at a pivotal moment. Those who continue to view AI solely as an automation tool risk missing out on its full potential. But those who think bigger - who see AI as a catalyst for transformation - will be the ones to lead the next wave of innovation.