IP Innovators – From Faxes to AI: Paul Hunter Reflects on 27 Years of Change in Patent Law

In the inaugural episode of IP Innovators, Steve Brachmann sits down with Paul Hunter, Partner and Electronics Practice Co-Chair at Foley & Lardner, to explore nearly three decades of transformation in IP law—from the analog era of faxes and dictaphones to the cutting-edge use of AI in patent prosecution today.

A Career That Mirrors the Industry’s Evolution

Hunter has over 27 years of experience advising technology-driven companies.

His career began in the mid-1990s, when patent drafting meant dictating into tapes, editing on WordPerfect, and mailing physical filings before midnight. Fast-forward 27 years, and Hunter now leads a high-efficiency, AI-assisted practice at Foley’s San Diego office. His story is not just about personal growth—it’s a blueprint for how law firms can adapt and thrive amid technological disruption.

The AI Turning Point

The episode highlights a pivotal moment in Hunter’s practice: the emergence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Initially impressed by its ability to synthesize complex information, Hunter quickly recognized the potential of AI to streamline patent workflows—especially in drafting, searching, and analyzing office actions.“With the right driver, AI becomes an accelerant—not a replacement—for good patent lawyering,” Hunter says.

While he is optimistic, he also offers a candid assessment of today’s limitations: hallucinations, input size restrictions, and tools designed to replace rather than augment attorneys. His advice to vendors? Focus on empowering attorneys, not automating them out.

What’s Changed—and What Hasn’t

Despite the digital shift, the fundamentals of patent practice remain: protecting innovation, understanding complex technologies, and delivering value to clients. AI is simply the next powerful tool—akin to online search or electronic filing—but only impactful when wielded by thoughtful practitioners.

“Imagine having the internet and choosing not to use it. That’s where we are with AI right now.”

Key Takeaways for Patent Practitioners:

• Efficiency gains are real: Drafting time has dropped from 40–50 hours to around 20 hours per application, thanks to better tools.
• AI adoption is essential: Lawyers who embrace AI will outpace those who stick to old methods.
• Quality is improving: AI-assisted searches and analysis help uncover better prior art and reduce overlooked risks.
• Human judgment is still critical: Technology is a partner, not a replacement.

The Future of IP Law Is Bright—and Augmented

Hunter closes with encouragement for early-career attorneys: experiment, explore, and continuously upgrade your toolkit. “Doing things the way they’ve always been done” is no longer viable.

As the profession navigates AI’s rise, leaders like Hunter remind us that adaptation, not automation, is the true path to innovation.