AI and Ethics in Practice: Navigating Risk, Responsibility, and Opportunity for Law Firms

The Technology Subcommittee of INTA’s Law Firm Committee has developed a series of six articles, listed below, to equip trademark and IP legal professionals with a practical, forward‑looking understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping law firm operations, ethical obligations, and client services. Drawing on expert insights, practitioner experience, and emerging best practices, the series explores AI’s expanding role in trademark workflows, supervision responsibilities, risk management, client communication, and fairness considerations.

Across the articles, responsible AI adoption requires intentional governance, human oversight, transparency, and continuous education to safeguard professional integrity and client trust. By providing clear guidance and actionable strategies, this series empowers firms to harness the benefits of AI-enabled efficiency while navigating its ethical, operational, and regulatory complexities. Ultimately, these resources aim to support law firms in evolving thoughtfully and sustainably as technology transforms the practice of IP law.

AI for Growth and Automation in Trademark and IP Law Firms: A Practical Playbook. Todd Benni, McDonald Hopkins LLC (United States), details how AI drives growth, efficiency, and client value in trademark and IP law firms through practical implementation strategies.

Bias and Fairness in AI Systems: Navigating Ethical Obligations in Legal Practice. Lauren Adler, Alt Legal (United States), outlines how practitioners and law firms can identify bias in AI systems and implement practical safeguards, fulfilling their ethical obligations to clients while harnessing AI’s potential benefits.

Client Disclosure of AI Usage. Cassio Mosse, Mosse IP (Brazil), explores how clear and proactive communication regarding the use of AI tools is of paramount importance, including how and when it should be undertaken.

How Trademark Administrators Are Using and Enhancing AI. Dennis Escalante, Ideas Trademarks and Patents (Costa Rica), describes key use cases and considerations, as shared by experienced trademark administrators, as the integration of AI into the IP workflow moves rapidly from theory to practice.

Risks for Law Firms in AI Adoption. Felipe Claro, Clary y Cia. (Chile), outlines the principal risk domains, highlights key data and trends, and examines the dangers of non-adoption.

Supervisory Responsibilities in the Age of AI: Meeting the Ethical Demands. Kevin Costanza and Chianna Mirtaheri, Seed IP Law Group LLP (United States), discuss the important role of supervising attorneys as law firms increasingly integrate AI tools into their workflows.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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