The government is today launching a consultation on how the copyright and patent system should deal with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This consultation is seeking evidence and views on:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology and is already revolutionising many areas of our lives. It can be a powerful tool for scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists, enabling new inventions and creations.
The Government wants the UK to be at the forefront of this revolution, to encourage innovation in AI technology and promote its use for the public good. At the same time, we want to preserve the central role of intellectual property (IP) in promoting human creativity and innovation.
The Government has previously sought views on the interaction of AI and IP and the impact of AI on the IP framework.
Questions were raised about the balance in the copyright system between the protection of human works and AI works, and the use of copyright material in machine learning. For patents, issues were identified that could stifle innovation as the use of AI systems increases.
We are now seeking evidence and views a on range of options for possible changes to patent and copyright law which may address these issues.
The Consultation is led by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and is one of the Government’s commitments within its recently launched Innovation Strategy to help ensure the UK’s IP environment continues to lead the world.
Science Minister George Freeman said:
Digital Minister Chris Philp said:
The IPO’s Chief Executive Tim Moss said:
AI Council Chair, Tabitha Goldstaub said:
The consultation will last for 10 weeks, ending on 7 January 2022.
Further information about the consultation and how to respond are published on GOV.UK.
Notes to Editors