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ARTICLE · 20 MAY 2026

AI And Life Sciences IP: A Practical And Evolving Guide For In-House Counsel’s AI Use

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The life sciences industry sits at the intersection of extraordinary innovation and complexity.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Angela Freeman
Angela Freeman
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The life sciences industry sits at the intersection of extraordinary innovation and complexity. Protecting life sciences inventions encompassing novel biologics, small-molecule therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostic tools demands a level of precision, speed, and strategic foresight that traditional IP workflows struggle to deliver. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing that equation. In-house attorneys and/or their outside counsel partners who understand how to deploy AI effectively and strategically are gaining a meaningful market edge.

Life sciences inventions present IP challenges that few other industries share. Patent claims must navigate dense regulatory landscapes, complex prior art spanning multiple scientific disciplines, and narrow windows of exclusivity that can make or break a product's commercial viability. Prosecution timelines often run in parallel with clinical development, FDA review, and competitive threats from biosimilar and generic competitors. The

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