Connecticut IP Attorney Recognized as Field Evolves
Elizabeth Alquist, an intellectual property litigation attorney with Day Pitney LLP, was recently named Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year at the Second Annual Connecticut Distinguished IP Practitioners’ Dinner. The recognition, she said, reflects both the complexity of recent cases and the collaborative spirit of her colleagues.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects a year of complex, high stakes matters and the trust that clients place in the teams I have been fortunate to lead,” Alquist stated.
Alquist’s 2025 included a trial victory in a software licensing case, which she is now defending on appeal. She also played a key role in resolving a billion-dollar copyright dispute through mediation prior to trial. She is currently leading teams defending a manufacturer of scientific instruments in multiple lawsuits, with one case having gone to trial this fall and another in preparation. Her work also includes ongoing efforts to protect the trademarks, copyrights, and trade dress of a globally recognized toy brand.
The award, according to Alquist, “highlights the scope and intensity of the work and the commitment of my colleagues who help drive these results. This proves an honor that reflects both the achievements of the past year and the significant teamwork behind them.”
Growing Concerns Over AI and Intellectual Property
The recognition of Alquist’s work comes at a time of increasing discussion and legal scrutiny surrounding intellectual property in the age of artificial intelligence. The Hartford Courant recently reported that the use of any content on its website for the purpose of training artificial intelligence systems is “strictly prohibited without explicit written consent.”
This stance reflects a broader debate about the use of copyrighted material to train AI models. Legal experts have argued that such use should be permitted under the doctrine of “fair use,” according to a recent report in Forbes. However, copyright holders are increasingly asserting their rights and seeking to control how their work is used in the development of AI technologies.
Hartford’s Potential as an AI Cybersecurity Hub
Connecticut is also grappling with the implications of AI for the insurance industry, a sector long central to the state’s economy. A recent opinion piece in the Hartford Courant , argued that Hartford should position itself as a leading center for AI cybersecurity.
The author, Kevin J. Conlan, noted that cyber insurance premiums are projected to rise 15 percent in 2026, driven by the new risks introduced by AI. As insurance companies integrate AI into their operations, they also expand their vulnerability to cyberattacks. Companies like The Hartford, Travelers, Aetna, and Chubb are already investing heavily in AI, but there is a significant shortage of qualified professionals to deploy and secure these technologies.
“Nationally, over 500,000 cybersecurity positions remain unfilled, with roughly one in four roles sitting vacant,” Conlan wrote. “Connecticut’s own economic development director has publicly expressed concern about the acceleration of job displacement that AI will bring.”
Increased Reports of Online Exploitation
Alongside these developments in intellectual property and cybersecurity, Connecticut is also addressing the growing problem of online exploitation of children. Recent reports indicate a rise in such cases, prompting action from state leaders.
The intersection of these issues – intellectual property rights, the rapid advancement of AI, cybersecurity threats, and online safety – presents significant challenges and opportunities for Connecticut as it navigates the evolving technological landscape.
