All Change (but Not Just Yet) When It Comes to AI and IP

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform many aspects of life and the UK government has recognized that it is important to review IP laws to ensure that they evolve and promote innovation in this fast-paced area of technology. That was the motivation behind a recent UKIPO consultation which reported earlier this week. With regards to patent protection for AI-devised inventions, the report concluded that no changes are required to UK patent law, at least for the time being. At present, despite claims of certain parties and the international court case relating to the DABUS system which its promotors sought to name as the inventor on patent applications in a number of countries, there is no evidence of AI currently having the capacity to invent. Rather, the general consensus from respondents was that AI technology cannot, at least at present, invent without human assistance.