AI in IP: Introducing Our New Blog Post Series
Welcome to AI in IP, a new series of blog posts sharing Russell IP Founder Iain Russell’s insights into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in intellectual property (IP). As Chair of the AI Committee of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA), Iain is a leading voice on how AI can be used in IP.
The aim of this series is to highlight how AI can be used in IP, including in some less obvious areas. For example, we have used AI (carefully) to help us create this series of blog posts, first to help us produce a set of questions about AI in IP, then to help us refine transcribed answers to the questions, and finally to produce a logo to accompany the posts.
Over the course of the blog post series, Iain will provide his own take (i.e., not in his capacity as Chair of CIPA’s AI Committee) on some big questions relating to AI in patents and other areas of IP. Read on for the first set of questions and answers, which provide a general introduction to the topic of AI in IP. Future editions will dive deeper into specific themes.
Table of Contents
What does “AI in IP” actually mean?
“AI in IP” means using artificial intelligence (AI) in the intellectual property (IP) field. Right now, when people say “AI”, they usually mean generative AI, such as large language models (LLMs) that can produce large amounts of text quickly. For this series of posts, I’m using “AI in IP” to mean how AI tools can be leveraged for IP work, like drafting patent applications, reviewing patent office feedback, or patent research.
How is AI being used in the patent profession today?
Some patent firms are already embracing AI, while others are more cautious. Russell IP has adopted use of AI, but only when our clients know we are doing so and understand the risks and potential rewards. I see clients and prospective clients using AI too, from individuals to big companies, sometimes without realising the risks. Patent offices and other IP service providers are also adopting AI, e.g. in translation, docketing and searching.
Can AI write a patent application?
In principle, yes, because AI can generate long, technical text and even drawings. But this comes with a big caveat. In practice, the results are nowhere near the standard of a skilled patent attorney. AI may play a bigger role in patent drafting in the future, but today it can give a false sense of security and should only be used with great care. AI is best thought of as a companion that can be useful in the right situations, but that can be dangerous when used without careful professional oversight.
What kinds of AI tools are available for IP lawyers?
There is now a wide range of generative AI tools:
- general-purpose tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude and Gemini; and
- specialist IP tools for patent drafting, office action responses, patent searching, translation, and more.
The best choice depends on the task and how carefully it’s applied. Sometimes, there isn’t an appropriate AI tool for the task at hand.
How do AI tools for IP differ from general AI tools like ChatGPT?
General AI tools aim to do many things fairly well, while specialist IP tools focus on narrower tasks, such as patent drafting. Specialist IP tools may:
- be trained differently;
- use focused, pre-configured prompts; and
- include retrieval methods tuned for patent data.
Another key difference is that specialist IP tools often place much more emphasis on confidentiality and data security.
Do AI tools replace human patent attorneys?
Absolutely not. I can’t stress that enough. No AI tool currently produces patent work that matches the quality of that produced by a competent human patent attorney. Attorneys may use AI carefully to assist their work, but the core role of guiding clients through the patent process remains firmly human.
How reliable is AI compared to a trained patent professional?
AI is not as reliable as a trained, experienced patent attorney. Patent professionals go through years of training and exams, and their judgment develops with experience. AI outputs may look polished, but they can be misleading, which is why they always need careful review.
How easy is it for firms to start using AI in their IP work?
On the surface, adoption looks simple, because many tools are readily available and some are free. In practice, however, issues such as professional conduct rules, confidentiality concerns, and training requirements make it more complex. Smaller firms like Russell IP can move quickly to test and adopt new tools, while larger firms often face more internal hurdles before they can adopt AI.
How much does it cost to use AI tools in IP practice?
Costs range widely:
- free general AI tools cost nothing to use but often lack confidentiality protections and accuracy; and
- specialist IP tools can cost hundreds of pounds or more per month per user but may offer better and safer performance.
Beyond subscriptions, IP practices must also invest time in auditioning and testing tools and training staff.
Will all IP firms eventually have to adopt AI?
Not all firms will adopt AI right away, but I expect most will use it in some form in the future.
- Smaller firms may embrace it more quickly.
- Older practices may prefer to stick with traditional methods for longer.
- Adoption will vary by technology area, as AI tools perform better in some technology fields than others.
Conclusion
AI in IP is a fast-moving and evolving area. IP practitioners are still working out how best to maximise the benefits AI can bring while managing the risks.
Come back for future editions of AI in IP, where we will explore these and other questions in greater depth.
In the meantime, if you are interested in using AI in your IP work, contact Russell IP today for a free, no-obligation discussion.
