In the next episode of IP Innovators by DeepIP, we chat with Phil Harris, Equity Partner and Patent Practice Group Leader at Holland & Hart, about what it really takes to build a tech-forward patent practice.

Phil’s journey started in mechanical engineering, long before he became one of the driving forces behind Holland & Hart’s in-house automation efforts. Over the past decade, his team has developed custom tools to handle everything from IDS filings to office action analysis, and learned how to balance in-house innovation with trusted external technologies along the way.

In this episode, they discuss how patent work is changing under the influence of AI and why the most effective legal teams are those that innovate from within and collaborate wisely.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

⚙️ When to build, when to buy: How Holland & Hart decides which tools to develop internally and when to rely on established third-party platforms.

🤖 Humans + AI: Why even the most advanced systems still depend on practitioner expertise — and how to make that partnership work.

🧩 Culture of innovation: How curiosity and collaboration have turned one practice group into a laboratory for smarter IP workflows.

⚡ The pace of tech: Why keeping up with clients’ technologies means constantly rethinking your own.

⏱️ Chaptering:

0:00 – Intro to Phil Harris1:03 – Discovering Patent Law8:59 – Technical Learning Curves10:27 – The Speed of Technology17:26 – Innovating from Within21:12 – Balancing Build vs. Buy25:25 – The Role of AI in Patent Practice27:30 – Humans + AI Collaboration33:00 – Life Outside Law

🔧 Sponsored by DeepIP – the patent intelligence platform for in-house teams and external counsel.

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In this new episode on IP Innovators by DeepIP, meet Aaron Capron, Partner and Head of the Patent Office Practice at Finnegan, for a conversation that spans satellites, startups, and the future of IP law.

Aaron shares how a GPS engineer at Lockheed Martin made an unexpected leap into IP law — and never looked back. From working as a USPTO examiner to joining Finnegan while attending law school at night, his journey is full of valuable lessons for anyone in the profession.

In this episode, they dive into:

🧠 Patent litigation strategy

⚖️ Prosecution wins (including how one patent helped a startup get acquired by Garmin)

💻 The challenges of keeping up with emerging fields like AI and quantum computing.

🛠️ Aaron also reflects on the tech tools that support his work — and where they still fall short.

🏋️ Outside the office, you’ll find him walking his chocolate lab, doing CrossFit, and exploring amusement parks with his daughter.

⏱️ Chaptering:

0:00 – Intro to Aaron Capron3:38 – Discovering Patent Law8:13 – From Patent Examiner to Attorney14:28 – Litigation Meets Technology19:27 – AI, Quantum, and the Future23:13 – Legal Tech Today26:46 – Life Outside Law

🔧 Sponsored by DeepIP – your trusted AI patent assistantFrom drafting to office action responses, DeepIP helps patent professionals move faster without compromising quality — all within Microsoft Word.

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Hear how Chris navigated law school while working full-time, helped launch a lean, prosecution-focused firm, and is now piloting generative AI to make patent drafting more efficient. Discover what’s changed — and what hasn’t — in patent law over two decades.

👨‍💼 About the Guest:
Chris Agrawal is Managing Partner at Bookoff McAndrews, a boutique IP firm focused exclusively on prosecution and counseling. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep appreciation for automation, Chris brings broad tech experience and a passion for client-focused innovation.

🔧 Sponsored by DeepIP – your trusted AI patent assistant: deepip.ai

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👨‍💼 About the Guest:

Paul Hunter is a leading IP attorney with deep expertise in electronics, software, AI/ML, semiconductors, and more. As chair of Foley’s Electronics Practice and managing partner of the San Diego office, he helps companies protect cutting-edge tech through patents and trade secrets.

This podcast is sponsored by DeepIP – your trusted AI patent assistant. For more information, visit: deepip.ai

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