Blog
Patent Drafting at the EPO - AI-related Inventions
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the filing of patent applications relating to AI-inventions at the EPO. In response to this, the EPO has started and continues to develop a framework for assessing the eligibility and patentability of AI inventions, with the introduction of new guidelines and evolving case law. This article outlines key considerations, common pitfalls, and best practices for drafting patent applications directed to AI inventions at the EPO.
Ethical Considerations of Using AI Tools for U.S. Lawyers
The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous industries, including the legal profession. For U.S. lawyers, AI tools offer tremendous potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed in completing routine and complex tasks alike. However, alongside the benefits of these powerful tools come ethical considerations. This article explores these ethical challenges in detail, particularly in light of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) recent Formal Opinion 512, which provides guidance for the ethical use of generative AI in legal practice.
5 Benefits of Integrating AI in Your IP Practice
The field of intellectual property (IP) is constantly evolving, as businesses and innovators look for more efficient ways to manage and protect their ideas. As IP portfolios grow, the traditional methods of managing patents, trademarks, and copyrights can become increasingly time-consuming, resource-heavy, and prone to error. To keep up with the fast pace of innovation, IP professionals are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline processes and deliver better outcomes.
How to Leverage Your Patent Prosecution Work with AI
The world of patent prosecution is undergoing a transformative shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a key player in streamlining and enhancing the prosecution process. Patent professionals—attorneys, agents, and paralegals—can leverage AI to improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity. In this article, we’ll explore the role of AI in patent prosecution, how AI-assisted workflows can boost efficiency, and the challenges and ethical considerations that come with adopting AI solutions in this space.
Top 10 Tools Patent Attorneys Use for Efficiency in 2024
The legal landscape is changing rapidly with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), and patent law is no exception. As patent attorneys manage complex processes such as drafting, filing, and litigation, AI tools are emerging as critical resources to boost efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making. AI tools for patent drafting, patent searches, and legal analytics can streamline workflows, helping attorneys focus on the more strategic aspects of their work. In this article, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the patent law industry, the key areas of impact, and the top AI tools patent attorneys are using today.
How Patent Outsourcing Can Streamline Your Firm's Operations
In today’s fast-paced environment, law firms and businesses are under increasing pressure to keep up with the growing demands of intellectual property (IP) management. Filing patent applications and performing related IP work can be very time-sensitive, with attorneys often expected to turn around work at the last minute to meet deadlines relating to product-releases or entries to the market from competitors, for example. It can be very difficult to predict future workflow, and managing all aspects in-house can be costly and inefficient. This is where patent outsourcing comes in as a valuable solution to help streamline operations. By outsourcing patent work, firms can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from external expertise and cost savings.
EPO Practice Update: Disclosure Requirements for AI Patent Applications
Earlier this year, the EPO introduced new guidelines for examination relating to inventions concerning artificial intelligence (See G-II-3.3.1). The last paragraph of these guidelines suggest that applications to AI-related inventions may require specific disclosure surrounding any algorithms used by an AI invention, as well as any training data used to train the AI, where such training data is required to achieve the technical effect of the invention.
A change in the Guidelines usually reflects a change in thinking or application of the law by the EPO. Indeed, it’s always interesting to see how such changes are actually implemented in practice.
The recently issued decision T1669/21 of the EPO Board of Appeal provides useful insight into exactly what sorts of specific disclosure may be required to satisfy the sufficiency requirements for patent applications relating to AI inventions.
Patent Drafting with AI: An EU AI Act Perspective
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already having a substantial impact in the practice of Intellectual Property (IP) Law, with platforms such as Solve Intelligence's Patent Copilot assisting attorneys in drafting and prosecuting patent applications. These AI platforms can help patent attorneys realise efficiency gains and help to provide high-quality patents.
Until earlier this year, the use of AI was largely unregulated across the world. Now, the picture has somewhat changed, with different countries implementing different strategies when it comes to regulating AI, to promote safety but also to remain competitive. Earlier this year, the Artificial Intelligence Act entered into force in the EU, becoming the world's first comprehensive regulation for AI. In this article we have a look at the obligations that the EU AI Act puts on AI technology providers, such as providers of AI patent drafting and prosecution tools.
Patent Drafting at the EPO - AI-related Inventions
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the filing of patent applications relating to AI-inventions at the EPO. In response to this, the EPO has started and continues to develop a framework for assessing the eligibility and patentability of AI inventions, with the introduction of new guidelines and evolving case law. This article outlines key considerations, common pitfalls, and best practices for drafting patent applications directed to AI inventions at the EPO.
Ethical Considerations of Using AI Tools for U.S. Lawyers
The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous industries, including the legal profession. For U.S. lawyers, AI tools offer tremendous potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed in completing routine and complex tasks alike. However, alongside the benefits of these powerful tools come ethical considerations. This article explores these ethical challenges in detail, particularly in light of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) recent Formal Opinion 512, which provides guidance for the ethical use of generative AI in legal practice.
UK Innovation at a Crossroads: Bridging the Global Patent Gap
As global innovation accelerates, the United Kingdom finds itself at a critical juncture. Despite ranking among the top nations in the world for innovation, UK businesses, particularly SMEs, are falling behind in securing international patent protection. A recent report from The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) reveals a concerning trend: while global patent filings hit record numbers, British companies are struggling to keep pace, risking their competitive edge in key international markets. In an increasingly interconnected world, securing international patents is not just a strategic advantage - it's a necessity for financial growth, enabling companies to maximise the commercial potential of their innovations on a global scale.