Artificial Intelligence & Related Fields

Named to the ’Best of the Best’ for Generative AI, a report based on interviews with more than 300 in-house legal leaders to identify the best firms when it comes to the use of generative AI. - BTI Consulting Group, 2024

Kirkland’s attorneys are operating at the cutting edge in applying evolving legal, policy and regulatory frameworks to the new challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Our multidisciplinary teams are the ones that AI companies, AI investors, AI users and content creators turn to, to help them assess the opportunities and challenges posed by advances in machine learning (including deep learning), natural language processing, large language models (LLMs), diffusion and emergent AI models. We are skilled at developing legal strategies that enable clients to leverage AI while mitigating novel AI-related risks.

We have long represented clients in industries in which AI is driving innovation and change, including software, healthcare, life sciences, medical devices, consumer products, media, automotive and transportation, and aerospace and defense. We are also experienced in matters involving automated decision making, autonomous vehicles, voice assistants, robots and conversational AI, among others.

We regularly counsel executives, technology teams and boards on the legal framework for their adoption of AI, including drafting bespoke AI policies and procedures for a wide range of AI applications. We understand the scientific and technical nuances of AI as it evolves, including the mathematical, software and data aspects underlying advances in AI. We are also focused on the developing global regulatory environment for AI particularly in key jurisdictions and with respect to specific subject matter areas such as export control, securities law, unfair competition laws, data privacy and intellectual property.

We frequently advise clients on:

• AI development, use and licensing, including benefits and risks, policies and procedures and contractual terms
• M&A transactions involving AI business models, value propositions and use cases, at all levels of the AI value chain
• AI-related transactions, including development agreements, strategic engagements and vendor contracts
• AI-related litigation matters, including intellectual property ownership, protectability and patentability, infringement and misappropriation issues, and unfair competition concerns
• AI use by asset managers for market and investor relations, and in connection with predictive data and other AI regulations
• AI cybersecurity issues and incident response and data privacy and security
• U.S. and international AI laws and regulations, including export control
• AI-related ESG issues, including considerations for “Responsible AI” use
• Use of AI in medical and healthcare decisions

Legal, technical and business concerns related to the use of AI intersect with numerous practice areas, all of which our attorneys are well equipped to handle. Specific examples of our experience are set out below.