Finally UK Supreme Court says AI can not hold name of patent inventor.
- No AI Inventors: The court affirmed that under UK law, an inventor must be a natural person, not an AI system.
- Dabus Case Concluded: Stephen Thaler, creator of the AI device Dabus, lost his bid to name it as the inventor of two patents.
- Future of AI Patents: The decision opens the door for discussions on how to handle AI-generated inventions in the patent system.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that AI machines cannot be named as inventors on patents, upholding the current legal framework and dealing a final blow to the Dabus case. This decision, in line with global trends, has sparked discussions about adapting patent law for the growing role of AI in inventions.
Adhering to Precedent: The Supreme Court's judgment aligns with lower court rulings and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) stance. They emphasized the 1977 Patents Act's requirement for a "natural person" inventor, regardless of the AI's role in the invention process.
Thaler's Unsuccessful Attempts: Thaler argued that Dabus autonomously created the patented inventions and he should be granted ownership. However, the court rejected this claim, citing the lack of legal personhood for AI systems.
International Harmony: The UK's decision mirrors similar rulings in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, solidifying a global consensus on AI inventor rights. South Africa stands alone in recognizing AI inventor rights, having granted a patent to Dabus in 2021.
Europe's Evolving Landscape: The European Patent Office (EPO) has hinted at a potential shift. While rejecting Dabus' inventor claim, they acknowledged the patentability of AI-generated inventions under certain criteria. This suggests future openness to granting patents for AI systems.
Call for Adaptation: The Dabus case highlights the need for adapting patent law to accommodate the increasing use of AI in inventions. Experts call for addressing issues like the non-obviousness of AI-generated inventions and streamlining international patent strategies.
UK IPO's Consideration: The UK IPO is reviewing its approach to AI inventions, potentially paving the way for future changes in the UK patent system.
Dabus' Legacy: Despite the outcome, the Dabus case has sparked crucial discussions around AI inventor rights and the future of patent law in the age of AI. It remains to be seen how legal frameworks will evolve to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generated inventions.