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IPWatchdog UnleashedAuthor: Gene Quinn
Each week we journey into the world of intellectual property to discuss the law, news, policy and politics of innovation, technology, and creativity. With analysis and commentary from industry thought leaders and newsmakers from around the world, IPWatchdog Unleashed is hosted by world renowned patent attorney and founder of IPWatchdog.com, Gene Quinn. Language: en-us Genres: News, News Commentary Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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AI, Budget Cuts, and the Future of In-House Patent Teams
Episode 11
Monday, 16 March, 2026
Send a textCorporate IP departments are under growing pressure to do more with less. Budgets are tightening, leadership increasingly expects patents to deliver measurable business value, and artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how patent work can be performed. What does this mean for the future of in-house patent teams—and for the law firms that support them?In this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, Gene Quinn is joined by Sivon Kalminov, Director of Intellectual Property for Canon USA, and Fran Cruz, Senior Vice President of IP Solutions at JurisStat, for a wide-ranging discussion on how modern corporate IP departments are adapting to a rapidly changing environment.The conversation explores several major trends shaping patent strategy today, including the shift toward quality over quantity in patent portfolios, the growing emphasis on maintenance fee pruning and portfolio discipline, and the evolving relationship between in-house counsel and outside patent law firms. The panel also examines how companies are using competitive intelligence, patent analytics, and emerging AI tools to guide filing strategy, manage costs, and identify licensing and enforcement opportunities.Finally, the discussion tackles one of the biggest questions facing the IP profession: What can AI realistically do for patent practitioners today—and what can’t it do yet? While AI is proving valuable for tasks like patent searching, competitive landscape analysis, and data-driven strategy, it is far from a “magic button” that replaces human expertise.For anyone working in patent law, intellectual property strategy, or corporate innovation management, this conversation offers an inside look at how leading companies are navigating the new economics of patent practice.Topics discussed include:How budget pressure is reshaping corporate patent strategyWhy companies are focusing on patent quality instead of quantityMaintenance fee pruning and portfolio management strategiesHow in-house teams are restructuring relationships with outside counselWhere AI is actually useful in patent practice todayVisit us online at IPWatchdog.com. You can also visit our channels at YouTube, LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.
