From Paper to Precision – Sebastian Goebel on the Future of AI-Driven Patent Strategies
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) hosted a decentralized online training event on May 7th, 2025, focusing on AI and Green Innovation👉 Practical application of new ideas to create value.. The event, organized by the thematic groups ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Start-ups & Scale-ups,’ aimed to provide participants with insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU, including the latest regulatory frameworks, practical IP strategies, and real-world AI applications. The agenda included keynote addresses, expert panels, and startup pitches, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities AI presents for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Setting the Context – AI in the EU
The training event opened with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Wurzer from the IP Business Academy at the University of Strasbourg, who provided a comprehensive overview of the EU AI Act and the ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI. This legislation, the first of its kind globally, aims to regulate AI technologies based on their risk👉 The probability of adverse outcomes due to uncertainty in future events. levels, balancing innovation with safety and public trust. Wurzer emphasized the need for responsible AI development, noting that Europe’s regulatory approach seeks to foster innovation while protecting fundamental rights and ensuring technological reliability.
In addition to the regulatory perspective, Alihan Kaya discussed the intersection of IP and sustainability, emphasizing the need for companies to align their intellectual property👉 Creations of the mind protected by legal rights. strategies with broader environmental goals. Robert Klinski focused on systematic invention👉 A novel method, process or product that is original and useful. harvesting, highlighting the importance of proactive IP strategy👉 Approach to manage, protect, and leverage IP assets. development to capture the full value of technological breakthroughs. However, it was Sebastian Goebel who provided a unique perspective on the digital transformation of the patenting process, exploring how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way intellectual property is managed.
Sebastian Goebel – Digitalizing the Patent Process for a Competitive Edge
Transforming the Patent👉 A legal right granting exclusive control over an invention for a limited time. Landscape with AI: Goebel’s contribution to the event centered on the profound impact of AI on the traditional patenting process. He argued that as digital technologies evolve, companies need to rethink their approach to intellectual property, moving from manual, paper-based systems to fully digital, AI-powered workflows. Goebel emphasized that AI has the potential to revolutionize every stage of the patent lifecycle, from prior art searches and novelty👉 Requirement that an invention must be new and not previously disclosed. assessments to drafting applications and managing portfolios.
Goebel highlighted that the use of AI in patenting offers significant benefits, including faster processing times, reduced costs, and improved patent quality. For example, AI algorithms can quickly scan vast patent databases to identify relevant prior art, significantly reducing the time required for initial patent searches. This speed and precision allow companies to file patents more quickly, reducing the risk of being outpaced by competitors. Additionally, AI can assist in drafting complex technical documents, reducing human error and ensuring that patent claims are precise, comprehensive, and defensible.
Enhancing Patent Quality with AI: Beyond speed and efficiency, Goebel stressed that AI can dramatically improve the quality of patent applications. He pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in patenting is ensuring that applications are both broad enough to provide meaningful protection and specific enough to withstand legal scrutiny. AI-powered tools can help inventors and IP professionals navigate this delicate balance, analyzing prior art and competitive landscapes to identify optimal claim language and scope.
Goebel also discussed the role of AI in patent analytics, highlighting how machine learning algorithms can identify emerging technology trends, uncover white spaces for innovation, and assess the relative strength of a company’s IP portfolio. This data-driven approach not only enhances decision-making but also provides companies with a strategic advantage in rapidly changing markets.
Creating a Data-Driven IP Strategy: In addition to improving individual patent applications, Goebel emphasized the importance of integrating AI into broader IP strategy development. He argued that companies should use AI not just as a tool for securing individual patents, but as a foundational element of their overall innovation strategy. This includes using AI to map competitive landscapes, prioritize R&D investments, and identify potential licensing👉 Permission to use a right or asset granted by its owner. opportunities.
Goebel encouraged companies to invest in digital IP management👉 Strategic and operative handling of IP to maximize value. systems that can automate routine tasks, provide real-time portfolio analytics, and support strategic decision-making. He also highlighted the importance of training IP professionals to work with these advanced tools, ensuring that they can fully leverage the power of AI to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Broader Context from the Event
The EEN Training Event on AI & Green Innovation provided a comprehensive view of the rapidly evolving AI landscape, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by businesses, researchers, and policymakers. Beyond Goebel’s insights into the digitalization of the patenting process, the event featured a range of expert contributions that highlighted the critical role of AI in shaping the future of industries and economies.
Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Wurzer opened the event with a detailed overview of the EU AI Act and the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. He emphasized that these frameworks are designed to promote innovation while ensuring that AI systems operate within clear ethical boundaries. Wurzer highlighted the tiered risk approach of the EU AI Act, which categorizes AI systems based on their potential impact, from minimal to high risk, and stressed the importance of balancing technological progress with regulatory oversight to protect fundamental rights and public safety.
Alihan Kaya brought a complementary perspective with his discussion on aligning IP with sustainability goals. He highlighted the importance of integrating green innovation into IP strategies, noting that companies with strong IP portfolios are often better positioned to lead in emerging markets and influence global sustainability standards.
Robert Klinski provided insights into systematic invention harvesting, focusing on the importance of capturing innovative ideas early in the R&D process. He emphasized that companies need to move beyond reactive patenting and adopt a more proactive, strategic approach to IP management, leveraging AI to identify and protect high-potential innovations.
Ilanit Appelfeld rounded out the expert contributions with a focus on practical IP strategies for startups and digital entrepreneurs. She emphasized the importance of bridging the communication gap between IP professionals and business leaders, arguing that IP should be seen not just as a legal requirement, but as a critical business tool.
Together, these perspectives provided a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities in the AI and green innovation space, reflecting the broader goals of the EEN event to foster sustainable growth, technological leadership, and competitive advantage in the global market.
Conclusion
Goebel’s contribution provided a critical perspective on the digital transformation of the patenting process, highlighting the importance of speed, precision, and data-driven decision-making for companies seeking to lead in the digital economy. His emphasis on integrating AI into IP management systems underscored the need for companies to adopt innovative technologies to stay competitive, reduce costs, and fully capitalize on their intellectual assets. By embracing digital tools and AI-driven analytics, businesses can secure a lasting competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
