AI and the corporate IP landscape: strategic transformation and the road ahead

The pace of change in intellectual property (IP) management is accelerating, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of this transformation. For corporate IP professionals, AI is not just a tool for efficiency; it’s a strategic enabler that is reshaping how innovation is captured, protected, and monetized.

Having spent over two decades in the IP space — from patent attorney to SaaS founder to now leading product innovation at Anaqua, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can elevate the role of IP within the enterprise. Today, AI is driving a shift from operational support to strategic impact.

AI is reshaping core IP functions

AI is already streamlining key processes across the IP lifecycle. Tasks like patent translation, docketing, and renewal payments, which were once manual and resource-intensive, are now automated with high accuracy. For corporate IP teams, this means reduced risk, faster execution, and significant cost savings.

Modern AI-enabled systems can interpret communications from patent offices, extract relevant data, and update IP records automatically. This reduces the burden on legal operations and minimizes the risk of missed deadlines or lapsed rights. Automation is only as valuable as the trust it inspires. Security, reliability, and integration with existing systems are essential.

From reactive to proactive IP strategy

Traditionally, invention capture relied on structured forms and manual submissions. But AI is changing that. Imagine a system that listens to meetings, scans internal documents, and flags potential inventions in real time. This proactive approach enables IP teams to identify and protect innovation earlier and more efficiently. AI allows IP teams to capture more innovation, faster, and with less friction, while unlocking strategic value for the business.

Corporate expectations are shifting

Corporate IP departments are increasingly deploying AI internally. A recent Forrester Consulting study conducted for LexisNexis titled “The Total Economic Impact™ of Lexis+ AI for Corporate Legal Departments” found that in-house teams using AI reduced external legal spending by 13%. This shift is redefining expectations for outside counsel and internal IP operations alike.

IP professionals must now deliver more than legal expertise; they must provide seamless, data-driven experiences. Whether through intuitive dashboards, automated workflows, or integrated portals, the focus is on transparency, speed, and strategic alignment. People expect the same digital experience from their IP systems as they do from the apps they use in their personal lives, such as banking, ride-sharing, and streaming.

Upskilling and trust: the human side of AI

While many organizations are experimenting with tools like Microsoft Copilot, few have embedded AI into their core IP workflows. The challenge isn’t just technical, it’s cultural. Building trust in AI requires transparency, governance, and a clear understanding of its limitations.

Upskilling is critical not just for legal teams but also for R&D, innovation, and operations. Leadership must champion a new vision where AI augments human expertise and enables professionals to focus on strategic priorities.

Execution matters: choosing the right IP tech partner

In a crowded market, execution is everything. Corporate IP teams need partners with deep domain expertise, robust infrastructure, and proven integration capabilities. AI must be embedded into the broader IP ecosystem rather than bolted on. Understanding the rules, laws, and data structures is essential to deliver real value through AI.

Reimagining IP management: from commands to conversations

The future of IP management is not just digital, it’s dynamic. Tomorrow’s AI-powered systems won’t require users to navigate complex interfaces or manually input data. Instead, they’ll respond to natural language, anticipate needs, and act as intelligent collaborators. Picture an IP platform where you simply say, “Show me upcoming deadlines,” or “Initiate filing for this invention,” and it’s done, securely, accurately, and instantly.

Leading IP organizations are no longer just deploying software. Instead, they’re building innovation infrastructure. These platforms are becoming strategic enablers, designed to simplify workflows, surface insights, and empower IP professionals to focus on what matters most: protecting and leveraging innovation to drive business growth.