US Takes Stance in Patents by an Computer Using AI

In a previous effort I took a look at intellectual property law as used by the USAF.  What is noted here are initial rulings by US courts.  These, as it mentions, are being appealed.  Note that an oath has to be taken by a human in this case, what is the equivalent of a machine 'Oath' taken by an AI?   Continues to evolve by patent laws in other countries.

Only Humans, Not AI Machines, Get a U.S. Patent, Judge Rules

in Bloomberg, Susan Decker, September 3, 2021

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, VA, has ruled that only an actual human can be listed as an inventor on patents under U.S. law, while a computer using artificial intelligence (AI) cannot. Brinkema ruled that under federal law, an "individual," defined as a natural person, is required to take an oath that they are the inventor on a patent application. The case involved the Artificial Inventor Project at the U.K.'s University of Surrey, which has undertaken a global effort to have a computer named as an inventor. Courts in South Africa and Australia have ruled in the project's favor. University of Surrey's Ryan Abbott said the U.S. ruling will be appealed, along with those in the U.K. and Europe. Said Abbott, "We believe listing an AI as an inventor is consistent with both the language and purpose of the Patent Act."  ... ' 

Future of Patent Law When AI's Invent

Recently posted about the implications of AI's being allowed to be cited as inventors.   The following article in TechExplore further looks at how this could influence patent law, also country by country implications.  All in a flux, but this gives some starting points.

Two AI-led inventions poke at future of patent law
by Nancy Cohen ,  Techexplore

A University of Surrey-based team have filed the first patent applications for inventions created by a machine. Applications were made to the US, EU and UK patent offices; they are for a machine using artificial intelligence as the inventor of two ideas for a beverage container and a flashing light.  ... " 

Recognizing AI as an Inventor

I don't think the US patent system, at least,  is ready for this kind of thing

AI system 'should be recognised as inventor'   By Leo Kelion in the BBC

An artificial intelligence system should be recognised as the inventor of two ideas in patents filed on its behalf, a team of academics says.

The AI has designed interlocking food containers that are easy for robots to grasp and a warning light that flashes in a rhythm that is hard to ignore.

Patents offices insist innovations are attributed to humans - to avoid legal complications that would arise if corporate inventorship were recognised.   The academics say this is "outdated".

And it could see patent offices refusing to assign any intellectual property rights for AI-generated creations.  As a result, two professors from the University of Surrey have teamed up with the Missouri-based inventor of Dabus AI to file patents in the system's name with the relevant authorities in the UK, Europe and US.  .... '