Introduction
In this latest installment of our “In Conversation” series, Elisa Cooper sits down with Susan Krelitz, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, to discuss her journey in the IP software space, the evolving challenges facing IP professionals, and what the future holds for IP management solutions.
Elisa Cooper: Susan, can you share a little about your background and what has kept you in the IP software space for more than 15 years?
Susan Krelitz: Absolutely. By education, I’m an attorney, but I found my way into intellectual property over 20 years ago quite by accident. I answered an ad and ended up working for Intellivate, which was a partner company with FoundationIP. Eventually, Intellivate and FoundationIP were acquired by CPA Global.
What keeps me passionate about intellectual property is being on the cutting edge of innovation. The dynamic nature of this field ensures there’s always something new to learn. Working with software and IP management solutions allows me to engage with people from diverse organizations and help them find the best solutions to manage their portfolios efficiently.
Elisa Cooper: How have you seen the IP software and services market change over the last 15-20 years?
Susan Krelitz: The industry has experienced ebbs and flows. Early on, there was resistance to cloud adoption and offshore outsourcing, but these eventually gained traction. Today, cloud solutions are almost universally accepted, though outsourcing preferences continue to fluctuate. Recently, some organizations have shown renewed interest in in-house management of certain processes.
Looking forward, managing AI-based solutions will be a significant challenge. Organizations must determine where AI fits into their operations while addressing concerns like data management, training model updates, and ethical implications.
Elisa Cooper: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing corporate and law firm IP departments today?
Susan Krelitz: Efficiency remains the top challenge. IP departments are often tasked with achieving more with fewer resources—whether that means managing smaller teams, working with reduced budgets, or lacking the right tools. The goal is to optimize operations without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
Elisa Cooper: What should IP professionals look for when selecting an IP management system?
Susan Krelitz: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is understanding your organization’s unique needs and priorities. For smaller teams, automation is critical to reduce manual tasks. Larger organizations often prioritize having a comprehensive view of their portfolio, which requires centralizing data across patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements.
Budget and organizational workflow also play significant roles. It’s essential to select a system that aligns with your specific way of working and is flexible to meet the demands of the changing landscape of business.
Elisa Cooper: Where do you see the IP management market heading in the next five years?
Susan Krelitz: AI will undoubtedly shape the future of IP management. While many organizations are still exploring its potential, AI promises to enhance efficiency, particularly in areas like automation and data analysis. However, there are critical considerations, such as managing training data, ensuring models stay up to date, and addressing downstream consequences of AI implementation.
Ultimately, AI will help organizations tackle the perennial challenge of doing more with less, but its integration must be thoughtful, strategic and include human oversight.