# Google's InFlow may boost junior patent attorneys but could stunt skill growth

Digest AI · Research · published 2026-10-24T14:34:05Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/google-s-inflow-may-boost-junior-patent-attorneys-but-could-stunt-skil

## Summary

A three‑month randomized trial involving 133 patent attorneys at eleven U.S. IP law firms examined the impact of Google‑funded AI assistant “InFlow.”  Participants used the unreleased tool for two drafting tasks and later completed a redlining task without AI.  In the drafting phase, the treatment group outperformed the control group, with the biggest gains seen among junior attorneys with fewer than seven years of experience.

When the AI was removed for the redlining task, only senior attorneys retained the performance advantage; junior attorneys showed no lasting benefit and their scores split between higher and lower extremes.  The authors suggest that baseline expertise may be required for AI‑assisted work to translate into durable skill, warning that AI could accelerate productivity while potentially eroding professional growth for less‑experienced workers.  The paper notes similar patterns in software development, essay writing, and consulting, and frames the findings within a broader debate about the “tragedy of the cognitive commons.”

## Key points

- In a three‑month RCT with 133 patent attorneys, Google‑funded “InFlow” AI boosted drafting scores, especially for juniors with under seven years experience.
- When AI was removed for a redlining task, only senior attorneys retained performance gains; junior attorneys showed no lasting benefit.
- Researchers suggest baseline expertise may be needed for AI‑assisted work to become durable skill, warning of possible skill erosion.

## Why it matters

The study highlights a trade‑off between immediate AI‑driven productivity and long‑term skill development, urging firms to consider how AI adoption may affect junior talent pipelines.

## Sources

1. [AI makes junior patent attorneys instantly better but may quietly stunt their professional growth](https://the-decoder.com/ai-makes-junior-patent-attorneys-instantly-better-but-may-quietly-stunt-their-professional-growth) (The Decoder, 2026-10-24)

Part of the developing story: [Google AI Patent Tool Skill Debate](https://digestai.news/thread/google-study-shows-ai-improves-patent-drafting-scores-senior-lawyers-gain) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Google's InFlow may boost junior patent attorneys but could stunt skill growth", 24 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/google-s-inflow-may-boost-junior-patent-attorneys-but-could-stunt-skil

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