{"id":26739,"date":"2025-03-20T10:19:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T10:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/?p=26739"},"modified":"2025-03-20T10:19:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T10:19:13","slug":"staying-ahead-of-ai-key-takeaways-from-the-epi-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/staying-ahead-of-ai-key-takeaways-from-the-epi-guidelines\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying ahead of AI: key takeaways from the EPI Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Author: <a href=\"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/team\/giancarlo-belloni\/\">Eng. Giancarlo Belloni<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nowadays it is plain for all to see that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has earned a prominent role in everyday life. In the world of industrial property, this phenomenon has aroused interest and concern in various aspects, the most puzzling of which concerns inventions that could hypothetically be developed autonomously by AI. At present, this specific aspect seems more like theoretical speculation, while other aspects are decidedly more topical. For example, the use of AI as a tool in everyday professional activity is so topical that the EPI <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office) <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">felt it necessary to provide its members with some guidelines, adopted on 16 November 2024, which are briefly summarised below.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI is changing the way patent attorneys work, bringing both exciting opportunities and some serious challenges. The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">EPI <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has put together these guidelines to help attorneys navigate the world of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">generative AI<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> responsibly. The goal? <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use AI wisely, protect client interests, and maintain high professional standards.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why These Guidelines?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI is already everywhere helping with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">translations, document reviews, and even drafting<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. But there\u2019s a difference between <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">non-generative AI<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (like spell checkers or translation tools) and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">generative AI<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (which creates content based on large data sets). While AI can <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">save time and improve efficiency<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, it also comes with risks, like:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 AI making up information that sounds convincing but is completely wrong.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Confidentiality concerns<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 Sensitive data could end up in the wrong hands.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Intellectual property issues<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 AI-generated content could unintentionally infringe copyrights or other rights.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Big Rules to Follow<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the guidelines:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay Informed<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 Before using AI in your work, make sure you understand how it works and what its limitations are (especially the risk of hallucinations).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Protect Confidentiality<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 Not all AI models keep your data private. If there\u2019s <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">any doubt<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> about how an AI tool handles sensitive client information, don\u2019t use it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019re Still Responsible<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 No matter how much AI helps, the final work <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is still your responsibility<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If AI makes a mistake, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you can\u2019t blame the tool<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014you need to check everything before submitting.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check with Your Clients<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 Some clients may be okay with AI being used in their cases, while others may not. Always <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ask first<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and keep a record of their preferences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be Transparent (but Smart) About AI Use<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 You can mention AI use on websites or promotional materials but keep it <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">truthful and professional<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. However, you\u2019re <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">not required<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to disclose AI use to the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">EPO (European Patent Office) or UPC (Unified Patent Court)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> unless the law specifically says so.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep Client Data Separate<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 If AI tools could potentially <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mix up client data<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, consider using <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">separate accounts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to keep everything clean and confidential.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow the Law<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">European AI Act 2024<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and other upcoming regulations will affect AI use in professional settings. Attorneys need to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stay updated<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and follow any legal requirements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udd39<\/span> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Charge Fairly<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 AI might speed things up, but that doesn\u2019t mean the work is free. Attorneys can still charge for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI-related costs<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (like software subscriptions, training, and time spent verifying AI-generated content), but fees should be <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fair and transparent<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI is a powerful tool, but it\u2019s not a replacement for expertise. These guidelines help patent attorneys <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">use AI ethically and effectively<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, ensuring that clients get <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">accurate, high-quality work<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> while keeping confidentiality and professional responsibility at the forefront.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In observance of the spirit of transparency advocated by the EPI guidelines themselves, we would like to inform the reader that the above summary was carried out precisely by an AI tool, as was the image at the beginning of this article. In conclusion, AI may be useful, even to understand the risks associated with AI!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Author: Eng. Giancarlo Belloni Nowadays it is plain for all to see that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has earned a prominent role in everyday life. In the world of industrial property,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":26734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[204,205],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-en","category-pressroom-en-2"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26739"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26743,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26739\/revisions\/26743"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thinx.expert\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}