Benesch launches GenAI Commission, a multidisciplinary AI-focused legal team

Group integrates attorneys from various service areas, creating one-stop shop to provide clients counsel on legal implications of AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve rapidly, AmLaw 200 law firm Benesch is pleased to announce the creation of its GenAI Commission, which is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of attorneys dedicated to providing counsel on the legal implications of generative artificial intelligence and the risks involved with the technology. The team will also continuously monitor proposed laws, regulations, and AI-related litigation to help clients safely and effectively utilize generative AI tools.

Generative AI is rapidly disrupting and transforming the business world. With the emergence of products such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google Bard, numerous legal issues — including with respect to data privacy and security, intellectual property, labor and employment, healthcare, licensing, risk management, and more — are surfacing and presenting ongoing legal and ethical challenges.

“Our team has been advising clients on AI and its impact in the U.S. and around the world for quite some time,” said Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “This holistic approach brings together the experience and insights of attorneys across different areas of practice and organizes them into a team that can help Benesch clients weigh the risks and benefits of this groundbreaking technology.”

The Benesch GenAI Commission includes attorneys from various practice groups, including Intellectual Property/3iP and Data Privacy & Cybersecurity. The team members offer diverse perspectives and deep experience in a range of matters relating specifically to AI, including:

• Copyright issues with AI outputs
• The implications of AI in the workplace and development of appropriate employer policies
• The AI training process and possible intellectual property infringement
• Patent infringement and how to protect company trademarks
• Contract terms a company should negotiate if it is a user of generative AI
• IP-oriented technology transactions
• Digital business transformation
• Deployment of emerging technologies, such as Web3 and the Metaverse

• The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
• Response to data security breaches
• Drafting comprehensive privacy policies

The GenAI Commission is led by Wendy Esposito (Intellectual Property/3iP) and Chicago Partner-in-Charge Manish Mehta (Intellectual Property/3iP, Litigation). Other team members include Alison Evans (Intellectual Property/3iP), Ryan Krisby (Corporate & Securities), Risto Pribisich (Intellectual Property/3iP), Steven Selna (Litigation) and Michael Stovsky (Intellectual Property/3iP).  

“As the business world continues to embrace generative AI technology, the GenAI Commission will provide new perspectives and depth of talent to these new issues,” said Esposito. “The use of generative AI by businesses provides a great opportunity for our clients. As these opportunities grow, the Commission will provide top-notch legal counsel on safely and legally deploying generative AI technology.”