IP and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ultimate buzzword at the moment. But from a patent-based perspective, it is more than just the new fad: it is a pointer to technological developments and signals what consumers should expect from new products coming to the market in the near future.

For all the patent attorneys out there, it is also an indicator of the technologies we will be expected to deal with and translate into patent documents. So let’s have a look at what has been happening in the past few years.

When it all started

Vítor Palmela Fidalgo shares his insights in "Platforms Pay the Price", published in WIPR – World IP Review, Issue 1 (2025), which explores the growing accountability of online platforms as evolving European regulations push them to take greater responsibility for counterfeit goods sold by third-party vendors.

The webinar “Protect Your IP with IT and Inventa: Software Patents and Artificial Intelligence” took place on February 26, with the participation of Inventa.

The event was held at the Telecommunications Institute (IT) in Lisbon and highlighted the main challenges and opportunities in protecting computer-implemented inventions, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

With over 40 speakers and more than 2000 attendees, the 5th edition of Lagos Tech Fest took place on February 20th, bringing together startups, innovators, investors, and government representatives shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions, networking, and insights into key industry trends. Key topics included Financial inclusion, Venture Capital & Private Equity, AI & Cloud, the Creative Economy, Identity & Fraud, E-commerce, Digital Infrastructure, among others.

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.

The rise of artificial intelligence is revolutionising the field of law, including intellectual property law. As we navigate this new era of innovation, new rules should be considered for the use of AI by IP practitioners to avoid violations of fundamental rights.

Published in the International In-House Counsel Journal, Vera Albino reflects on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, namely in the field of intellectual property law.

In an interview with Leaders League, Vitor Palmela Fidalgo reflects on the importance of the forthcoming Unified Patent Court and the role that some new technologies, such as Blockchain and artificial intelligence, have in the European IP landscape.

Read the full interview here.

It is manifest the growing interest of mankind in disruptive themes as Artificial Intelligence (AI). As we have been analyzing, this theme has increased its significance as the inventions reach new and inspiring outcomes. This article intends to analyze if there have been a growing tendency on patent applications related to AI in the European Patents Office or if, besides all the euphoria, we are still far away from a technological boom particulary inventive.

The real impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the various fields of Law is still largely unknown. However, as stated in the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2017 with recommendations to the Commission on Civil Law Rules on Robotics (2015/2103(INL))  (v. 015/2103(INL)), no one doubts that this industrial revolution “is likely to leave no stratum of society untouched”, which is why is “vitally important for the legislature to consider its legal and ethical implications and effects, without stifling innovation” (vid. p. 3, B).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already opened the door to our reality and we have not even realized it. Think again who believes that a world endowed with technological autonomy without constant human aid is a utopia or a subject of bygone centuries. Far from it; we face and live in a century where the great questions of our society need further guidance.