Artificial Intelligence as an Inventor: A brief Exploration of South African Intellectual Property Law
1. Introduction
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has sparked significant changes across various sectors, including in the field of patent law. The ability of AI systems to develop new creations poses unique and challenging questions to the conventional structures of IP law. This article explores the implications of AI inventorship within the specific context of South African IP law, shedding light on the legal ambiguities and offering recommendations for future policy adaptations.
Angola: Is trademarks success a sign of things to come?
Angola continues to recognise IP rights as an important contribution to a country’s social and economic development and in the last IP Bulletin issued (4/2023), published statistics related to the years 2020 to 2022.
Overall, 2022 was marked by an increase in the request for protection of several rights of Industrial Property, where the demand levels for trademarks and other distinctive signs of trade were 23% higher than those recorded in 2021.
AIPPI 2023 World Congress
Tiago Reis Nobre and Vítor Palmela Fidalgo represented our firm at the AIPPI 2023 World Congress in Istanbul. Throughout the four-day event, both actively engaged in numerous sessions spanning a wide range of IP topics. They connected with peers and friends from all over the globe, discussing the latest developments in IP from Europe and Africa.
Additionally, they had the chance to visit the ARIPO booth, where Inventa is proud to be a co-exhibitor, and was graciously hosted by Mr. John Marius Kagwa.
IP Stars
It is with pride that we share that Vitor Sérgio Moreira, Patent Manager at Inventa, has been recognized in the IP Stars ranking as a Notable Practitioner in Portugal.
IP Stars ranking is one of the leading directories that assess experienced firms and legal professionals in the categories of trademarks and contentious work in the field of Intellectual Property.
We also want to congratulate the other professionals recognized for their work!
Inventa recognized in 2023 IAM Patent 1000 | Prosecution
We proudly announce that Inventa was recognized in the 2023 edition of the IAM Patent 1000 for Prosecution in Portugal. The IAM 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and conducts qualitative research to identify the best firms and individuals in legal patent expertise.
The long-awaited Unitary Patent takes effect today!
This new route in the patent system offers a new era of simplified and cost-effective patent protection in Europe.
Take a look at our guide about the Unitary Patent (UP) system and delve into the potential advantages it offers.
The Unitary Patent system will be a reality in June
On February 17th, the EPO confirmed the official start of the Unitary Patent, which will come into force on 1 June 2023. The validation took place after the German government deposited its instrument of ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) with the Council of the European Union.
It is expected that the Unitary Patent will bring significant benefits to patent applicants in Europe, providing more effective, extended and cost-effective protection.
Inventa launches the 2022 edition of the “Inventa IP Review” magazine
The Inventa IP Review magazine highlights some of the IP news of the previous year, written by our team, through opinion articles, interviews or press releases. We cover relevant topics that have marked the field of innovation, trademarks, patents or intellectual property rights, mainly in Europe, Africa and Asia.
The 2022 edition shares useful information on the protection of trademarks in different jurisdictions, the entry into the Unitary Patent system and also the impact that may arise from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the IP field.