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164: Ahead of the AI game: IP perspectives on adoption, barriers & Human-AI balance
Did you know 92% of IP professionals plan to try AI, yet 79% cite accuracy as a top barrier?
Generative AI is reshaping the IP world, but are today’s tools truly delivering? In this new episode of the Globally Speaking podcast, we dive into the findings of RWS’s “Ahead of the Game” survey, unpacking how IP professionals are using AI today, where it falls short, and what needs to change.
RWS CEO of Protect, James Lacey, sits down with RWS Protect Head of Innovation, Anthony Brennand, to explore how the IP industry, which has been externally characterised as conservative, is rapidly adopting AI while remaining risk averse. They discuss IP team expectations, the essential role of human expertise, and some key data-backed insights:
- 92% of respondents intend to try AI solutions, with 55% already testing multiple tools
- IP teams anticipate 20–30% of workflows fully automated by AI, 40–60% enhanced, and 20–30% remaining human-led
- Top barriers: accuracy/reliability (79%) and security/data protection (62%)
- High satisfaction with IP translation tools; low marks for patent drafting solutions
Get your free copy of the “Ahead of the Game” IP survey report: https://www.rws.com/intellectual-property-solutions/resources/why-its-time-for-ip-to-think-bigger-with-ai/
Guests
Anthony is an experienced Innovation Director and Product Director with over twenty years of working in Intellectual Property, Legal Tech, Fintech and Regtech.
An expert in design-thinking and product strategy, Anthony has developed products that leverage Big Data, PAAS, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to disrupt traditional markets, whilst optimizing existing more traditional products to ensure you differentiate your offering.
Hosts
James joined the Executive Team in October 2025 as CEO, Protect. He is responsible for overseeing Protect’s overall strategic direction, leadership and growth, with a focus on supporting IP law firms and corporate IP departments in driving value across the IP lifecycle.
James has over 20 years’ experience in the IP industry, leading global teams and serving some of the world’s top corporate IP filers and IP law firms. He started his IP career at CPA Global, specializing in trademarks and held his first senior management position running a multi-territory service delivery function for CPA Global’s core renewals business. In 2018, he moved with his family to Hong Kong where he spent four years scaling and growing key APAC markets. Prior to joining RWS, James was Vice President of Clarivate’s Patent Annuity business.
His intricate knowledge of the IP industry, proven track record in leading global teams and deep understanding of customer requirements enable him to develop market-leading solutions across the IP lifecycle and drive operational excellence for the benefit of our IP customers. He has the ability to understand and deliver localized IP solutions in a diverse global IP market.
James holds a Business Studies degree from the University of Plymouth.
Outside of work, James enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures with his wife and two boys. He stays active by playing football for an amateur team, regularly running by the River Thames and tending to his garden. He can also be found stood in a wet field on a Sunday morning coaching his son’s football team!
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