Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about intellectual property practitioners, or those working in the IP profession, on a personal and professional level. This time, we meet Alex Levki, founder of legal tech company iPNOTE.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
I’m building an artificial intelligence solution that helps IP managers automate annoying ping-pong with patent attorneys during global filings, saving them time and reducing costs.
Talk us through a typical working day.
My mornings start with family time, a workout, and a proper breakfast – followed by coffee and planning. Then come team meetings, priority tasks, and calls with clients and partners. Evenings are for family again, dinner, and sometimes investor discussions.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re finalising the enterprise version of our AI paralegal, which we’ll present at IP Service World 2025. It’s designed to help corporate IP teams handle global IP filings more efficiently and securely.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority, or are you juggling multiple things?
As a founder, I’m always juggling multiple priorities – product, fundraising, sales, PR – but there’s always one key focus at any given moment.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role, and what is the most stressful?
The most exciting part is knowing we’re building a product that can reshape an entire industry. The most stressful part is operating under constant constraints, especially time, which is the most valuable resource of all.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
The ability to really listen to clients and understand their business goals, not just their immediate legal needs.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
That it’s prohibitively expensive. In reality, with the right planning and tailored strategy, IP protection can align perfectly with a company’s current stage and goals.
What or who inspires you?
Great creators like Steve Jobs – people who didn’t just follow markets but built them from scratch.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
Most likely building another software product rooted in real industry experience. If not in tech, then something related to health, fitness, or mental growth, areas that help people perform better and feel better.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Always stay focused on what truly matters – and say “no” more often.
What is your motto in life?
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
