The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has clarified who can be designated as an inventor when AI tools, like ChatGPT, assist in creation. According to USPTO Director John Squires, AI is considered a tool—similar to a microscope or software—and cannot be listed as an inventor on patent applications. Only humans can conceive inventions to qualify for patent protection. This new guideline replaces a previous “joint-inventor” standard, simplifying the process for innovators. The importance of this policy shift lies in providing clarity in the age of AI, where its usage in innovation is pervasive. Inventors must ensure they can demonstrate that human intellect sparked the idea, as AI alone cannot claim ownership. Moving forward, the legal landscape surrounding AI and inventorship may face challenges, especially as AI technology evolves. This underscores the need for startups and inventors to meticulously document their creative processes.
Source link
