Committee for AI&IP
Committee Chairs
Leading the AI&IP Committee, our chairs are experts from three continents, bringing a wealth of experience in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IP (Intellectual Property). They guide the committee in its mission to be a premier resource for insights and leadership at the crucial intersection of AI and IP, sparking global dialogues on these evolving topics.
Işıl Selen Denemeç
She graduated from Bilkent University Faculty of Law, and holds two master’s degrees; one from UC Berkeley, with a specialization in law and technology, and one from Trinity College Dublin, in IP & IT law as a Jean Monnet Scholar.
She took part in the work of CAHAI (Council of Europe Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence) during its mandate as a member and a co-lead drafter, and is currently continuing to take part as Head of Delegation to the CAI (CoE Committee on AI), where she served for a term as an elected Bureau Member, to shape a legal instrument to regulate AI from the perspectives of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. She is also a member of the CDPC-AI, a CoE committee focusing on the criminal law aspects of driving automation, as well as the OECD Working Party on Artificial Intelligence Governance (AIGO). She also participated in the drafting of the UNIDROIT Principles on Digital Assets and Private Law as a Steering Committee member.
She is the author of “To Feed, or Not to Feed? An Analysis of the Copyright Issues Surrounding the Use of Machine Learning Algorithms”.
Sebastian Goebel
His professional journey commenced as an electrical engineer and software developer, where he also contributed to research in medical technology and Machine Learning (ML), among others at the Ruhr University Bochum, and the University of California in Los Angeles. In this context, he was also awarded the Inventor Prize of the Ruhr University Bochum. In addition, he holds a Master's degree in Lasers and Photonics and contributed as a lecturer to the Intellectual Property course at the Ruhr University Bochum.
Based on his practical experience in various technological areas, his expertise lies in the interdisciplinary use of Machine Learning together with other engineering sciences. In addition, he is an AI enthusiast who is passionate about the use of Machine Learning tools in the field of legal work.
Ekene Chuks-Okeke
Ekene is notably enthusiastic about the potential of AI to transform various industries and is deeply interested in the implications of these changes on long-established IP doctrines. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana and a Master of Laws degree in Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship from Cornell Tech/Cornell University. She also holds a certificate in Intellectual Property Management from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In addition to her professional and academic achievements, Ekene is a published author, with several articles on intellectual property, privacy, decentralized technologies, and AI. Ekene is a certified member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (CIPP/E) and a Fellow with the Internet Law and Policy Foundry.
Chaani Srivastava
Chaani was awarded the Advanced Degree Program Scholarship for LLM- 2015 from University of California, Berkeley School of Law, with a specialization in Law and Technology. She read law and science for her undergraduate dual degree of B.Sc. LLB (Hons.) - 2010 at Gujarat National Law University, India, which is also where she teaches a course titled “Contouring innovation in the 21st century through the IP and tech interface”. A policy enthusiast associated with various governmental and non- governmental organizations for pro bono non-legal matters, she cares deeply about the juxtaposition of law, policy and tech in the AI driven world. In furtherance of her intention to contribute to the energy transition, she serves as a Board Advisor of Hello Kisan, an initiative established to harness the power of technology to encourage innovation specifically in the agritech sector and provide guidance for sustainability and ESG mandates to companies. She regularly advises companies looking to achieve their net zero targets and also contributes to the advocacy content that HelloKisan creates. Her wide bandwidth of experience in IP law, especially digital Copyright Law, Freedom of Speech and Expression, Trademark Law and Privacy Law are of massive significance in her endeavor to encourage civic discourse around protecting an individual’s IP rights and constitutional liberties. Additionally, she serves on the panel as an expert international judge for the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition, organized by the University of Oxford.
Committee Member
Jan Froehlich
Ryan N. Phelan
Throughout his legal career, Ryan Phelan has prepared and prosecuted hundreds patent applications in emerging areas and technical industries. Ryan has extensive experience in and has represented clients in technical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, computer engineering, architecture, and networking plus (Internet of Things) IoT, devices and big data systems.
Ryan is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law where he teaches coursework on Patenting Software Inventions, with a focus on patent subject matter eligibility dealing with procuring software and computer related patents in view of 35 U.S.C. § 101 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International, 573 U.S. 208 (2014).
Ryan has been published in several well-known IP publications including the World Intellectual Property Review, Bloomberg Law, and IP Litigator, and has spoken as a panelist at various IP conferences, including for the Intellectual Property Owner’s (IPO) association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), and for the University of Illinois Chicago Annual IP Conference.
Ryan writes on IP topics focusing on next-generation and new-age technologies on his blog PatentNext (patentnext.com).
Mission
In an era where AI technologies are reshaping industries, our committee recognizes the profound impact these advancements have on traditional legal doctrines and business practices, especially in the realm of IP rights and IP management. For one, the proliferation of Generative AI systems, presents new challenges in IP ownership. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding and effective management strategies for IP rights in the AI context.
Our goal is to navigate these complexities, offering a clear understanding of IP principles as they impact AI, and adapting robust strategies for IP management in the AI sphere.
Activities
Our diverse team of experts with deep technical, legal and policy expertise, engages in a variety of initiatives:
1. Developing AI-specific IP Guidelines: Crafting guidelines for filing and managing AI-related IP rights, tailored to align with different national laws.
2. AI Integration in IP Professions: Recommending strategies for integrating AI tools into the workflows of IP professionals, from IP managers to patent attorneys.
3. Best Practices in IP Management: Establishing best practices for effective IP management in the context of AI technologies.
4. Global IP and AI Issues: Addressing unique IP challenges posed by AI, highlighting nuances in country and continental approaches.
5. Expert Discussions and Knowledge Sharing: Hosting engaging discussions, like fireside chats and roundtables with industry leaders, to delve into new AI and IP topics. These events, scheduled as per the committee’s preference, may be recorded for wider access via YouTube.
6. Quarterly Updates and Publications: Keeping the community informed with regular updates on AI and IP developments globally, shared through LinkedIn posts and other publications.
7. Educational Collaborations: Partnering with academic institutions to offer insightful virtual workshops and webinars.
8. Community Engagement: Fostering a vibrant community through active social media engagement and a monthly newsletter, featuring in-depth analyses and highlights from our LinkedIn discussions.
Through these varied activities, we aim to deepen the understanding of IP in the AI domain among IP practitioners and IP managers globally.
Become a member
Join I3PM today and take advantage of the full range of benefits – I3PM is your inclusive and empowering community of international IP managers. We offer our members exclusive access to premium IP education, a strong and engaged professional network and high-level services and events.