Are you ready for artificial intelligence?
THERE are many trends reshaping the world we live in, but none promises to be more disruptive than artificial intelligence (AI).
Whatever sector of the economy you are in, preparing for AI now will put you ahead of the curve.
Whether you are an automotive company readying itself for the ascent of intelligent self-driving cars, or whether you are a bank using AI to analyse customer data and develop ever more personalised services, AI is a technology that will be applicable in any field.
Those businesses that embrace it now will give themselves a huge market advantage.
Perhaps just as importantly, patent-savvy businesses can create legal hurdles for their competitors to jump if they come late to the AI revolution.
As with any emerging technology, developing AI-based products and services to set your business apart can be a significant investment.
Protecting that investment with robust intellectual property (IP) should be an essential part of your business strategy.
There is a widely-held misconception, particularly among UK businesses, that it is impossible to patent software.
Businesses have instead often relied on copyright to protect the computer code that underlies their software innovations.
Although this approach is sometimes sufficient for traditional software, it will likely prove to give inadequate protection for the machine learning techniques that are the foundation of the AI revolution.
Fortunately, the law is catching up with developments in this space, and the European Patent Office (EPO) recently issued updated guidance on patenting AI. This guidance makes clear that many types of AI-related technologies are indeed patentable, and provides much-needed certainty for businesses looking to protect their AI innovations.
The most successful companies in the AI revolution will be those who protect their investment in technology with strong intellectual property. Philip Cupitt, Partner, Chartered (UK) and European Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk. T: 0121 643 5881 E: pcupitt@marks-clerk.com Sponsored Column