ILTA Awards

Finalist / T R A N S F O R M A T I V E P R O J E C T O F T H E Y E A R V Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP orys, Sater, Seymour and Pease launched a strategic artificial intelligence initiative to transform the delivery of intellectual property legal services in response to increasing client demands for efficiency and mounting fee pressure across the legal industry. When a major client announced plans to reduce patent prosecution budgets, Vorys recognized an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how its IP attorneys and patent agents worked, leveraging AI to improve profitability, strengthen client relationships, and modernize workflows. Over the course of 2025, the firm integrated advanced AI tools into key areas of its intellectual property practice, including patent analysis, document review, trademark monitoring, and portfolio management. By automating routine and time-intensive tasks, the initiative enabled attorneys to complete complex work with greater speed, precision, and consistency while freeing them to focus on higher-value strategic counsel and client engagement. The transformation represented more than a technology deployment. It marked a significant shift in how Vorys approached legal service delivery within its IP group. AI- powered workflows now help attorneys identify emerging risks, uncover opportunities within IP portfolios, and generate tailored recommendations more efficiently than traditional processes allowed. These capabilities have improved both operational performance and the overall client experience. One of the project's most notable achievements was changing client perception around AI. At the outset, many clients viewed artificial intelligence as a potential risk and were hesitant to allow its use in connection with their matters. Vorys addressed those concerns through a deliberate, transparent implementation strategy that involved clients throughout the process. By demonstrating how AI could enhance quality, improve turnaround times, and reduce costs without compromising legal judgment, the firm successfully repositioned AI as a competitive advantage and differentiator for its services. The business impact has been substantial. Attorneys can now manage and analyze complex intellectual property matters more efficiently, resulting in faster delivery of insights and stronger client outcomes. Increased efficiency has also allowed the firm to better manage fee pressure while improving profitability within the IP practice. Client feedback confirmed that the adoption of AI-driven processes enhanced satisfaction and reinforced confidence in the firm's innovative approach. The initiative reflects Vorys' broader commitment to innovation, professional development, and collaboration within the legal industry. Through thoughtful adoption of AI technologies, the firm created a modernized IP service model that balances efficiency, strategic value, and client trust while positioning the practice for continued growth in an increasingly technology-driven legal landscape. PROJECT AI-Driven IP Transformation Reimagining intellectual property workflows through AI-powered automation, efficiency, and client- focused innovation ILTA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2026 6 3

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