Finnegan officially launched its newest practice, AI + Finnegan, on September 9, introducing four sub practices in patents, copyrights, privacy, and trade secrets. The launch further leverages the firm’s deep bench of engineers and scientists to meet the demands of an evolving technological landscape. After years of advising clients on the intersection of AI and intellectual property, the firm has now formalized its commitment to the technologically growing climate.
Law360 Pulse spoke with firm managing partner, James Barney, about the significance of the new practice.
“Formalizing our AI practice was intended to increase the visibility of this unique practice for existing and potential clients,” James said. “It also coincides with the tremendous demand we are now seeing for legal services in the AI space, consistent with what is being reported globally. The scale at which we can deploy expert talent to address our clients’ AI IP needs is in high demand, and [AI + Finnegan] is simply a formal acknowledgement of that demand,” he added.
Leading the AI + Finnegan practice are firm partners Frank DeCosta and Karthik Kumar. Within the new practice are the following sub practices: AI + Copyright, led by partner Anna Chauvet; AI + Patent, led by partners Aaron Capron, Frank and Karthik; AI + Privacy, led by partner Lynn Parker Dupree; and AI + Trade Secrets, led by partner Erik Puknys.
The AI + Patent sub practice is dedicated to patents for algorithms, intelligent systems, and machine learning applications. Aaron brings his experience co-leading the firm’s AI tech tools committee, while Frank and Karthik both hold doctorates in electrical engineering and serve on the committee.
The AI + Copyright sub practice helps clients protect and register their AI-generated work and provides guidance on fair use and licensing. The AI + Privacy sub practice helps clients align their internal governance with global privacy laws and AI regulations. Previously, Anna served as associate general counsel at the U.S. Copyright Office and Lynn was the chief privacy officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Lynn and Anna help support Finnegan’s AI practice with their unique expertise in privacy and copyright law,” said James. “They round out Finnegan’s consistent approach of being a full-service IP firm, focusing on all aspects of IP.”
The AI + Trade Secrets sub practice supports clients in protecting proprietary models, training data, and algorithms, with an emphasis on security practices, NDAs, and employee training. Erik brings over 30 years of trade secret expertise, beginning his career as a patent examiner at the USPTO.
