The UK High Court has rejected Dr. Stephen Thaler's bid to classify an artificial intelligence (AI) system as an inventor in a patent application. Dr. Thaler's AI system, named DABUS, allegedly created a food container and flashing light beacon, and Dr. Thaler sought to patent these inventions.
The UK Supreme Court unanimously rejected Dr. Thaler's appeal, affirming that an inventor must be a natural person under UK patent law. This decision implies that AI-generated inventions can be patented, but a human must be identified as the inventor. Individuals using AI tools to devise inventions can apply for patents, provided they are named as the inventor.
The ruling aligns with similar decisions in the US, Europe, and Australia, emphasizing the need for legislative change if AI-generated inventions are to be recognized differently. The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) welcomed the decision, highlighting that the current patent system should support AI innovation while acknowledging legitimate questions about handling AI creations.
The decision may prompt governments to adapt laws as AI technology advances. Companies using AI for innovation might face challenges in patent ownership if AI-generated inventions become more prevalent. The ruling underscores the importance of human agency in the patent process, with the law currently recognizing only natural persons as inventors.
