Tilly—an AI Assistant
A legal chatbot assistant, empowering creators and entrepreneurs to protect and monetize their IP
MY ROLE
Product Designer
Project Manager
TIMELINE
1 month
TEAM
2 Legal
1 Developer
WHAT IS TILLY?
Tilly is an AI assistant that provides legal guidance to creatives and entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, to help them license and protect their IP.
CONTEXT
Tilly was developed in collaboration with TIL Law Firm, which sought to dismantle the barriers preventing diverse creators from accessing IP protections.
As the product manager and designer, I translated Tilly’s mission into an accessible digital experience, ensuring users could engage effectively with our legal AI guide.
Problem Discovery
Many creators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, struggle with the high costs and convoluted processes of IP protection, limiting their ability to grow and innovate securely. The challenge was to design an experience that would simplify IP law and offer direct, jargon-free assistance at a fraction of the typical cost, empowering creators to protect their work confidently.
How can we make intellectual property protection more understandable, accessible, and affordable?
Ideation & Research
Learning about IP licensing and legal processes
To understand the IP licensing landscape, I read about the key steps creators typically take to license and protect their work, pinpointing major pain points such as legal jargon, high costs, and lengthy timelines. I audited the most popular licensing route: Creative Commons. This process clarified where users encounter the most friction in licensing their IP.
Understanding best practices
To derive best practices, I analyzed popular chatbot applications—including ChatGPT, Claude, Pi AI, and Gemini—to explore how they structure user interactions and simplify complex topics. This exploration provided a foundational understanding of how specialized AI assistants guide users in grasping challenging concepts.
Typeform
Gemini
ChatGPT
Claude
Team Brainstorm
With insights gathered from the IP and chatbot research, I compiled a list of features from existing AI and legal assistant platforms to identify essential functionalities. I then facilitated a team brainstorming session. Together, we reworked our original idea and created a prioritized feature list for the MVP.
Solution
Tilly’s streamlined approach to IP protection democratizes access to essential legal tools, allowing underrepresented creators to confidently protect and monetize their innovations. By reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional legal services, Tilly empowers users with the knowledge to safeguard their work on their terms.
Feature Highlights
AI Legal Assistant (Tilly) Chat
Tilly’s core functionality is a conversational AI assistant that offers tailored guidance on IP-related questions. Whether a user is navigating the basics of trademarking or exploring advanced licensing agreements, Tilly’s AI-driven insights make legal advice accessible.
Interactive Onboarding
Understanding the complexities of intellectual property can be overwhelming, so Tilly’s onboarding process guides users through a warm introduction to her mission, functionality, and common use cases.
This walkthrough explains how Tilly can help users protect and monetize their work, presenting real-world examples that align with the diverse needs of artists, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs. By providing a foundation in Tilly’s purpose, users feel empowered from the outset, understanding exactly how to use Tilly for their unique IP journey.
Pre-Written Prompts for Streamlined Conversations
To make the IP process less intimidating, Tilly’s chat includes built-in prompts, offering a head start on common questions and exploration topics. Users can jump into discussions without needing extensive background knowledge—whether they’re curious about copyright laws or seeking advice on safeguarding digital assets.
Curated Resources for In-Depth Learning
Beyond direct conversation, Tilly empowers users with a resources section—a curated collection of IP-related articles and videos. Users can choose to delve into these educational materials independently or ask Tilly to elaborate on specific points, making learning highly interactive. This dual approach—self-directed study and AI-guided explanations—ensures that users feel both informed and supported throughout their IP journey.
Outcomes
Tilly sets a new standard in IP assistance, making IP protection both accessible and affordable to traditionally underserved groups. The MVP has already sparked significant interest, leading the TIL team to securing a speaking engagement at DC Startup & Tech Week to share the mission and potential of Tilly.
