Landmark intellectual property ruling could offer new opportunities for chemists working with AI

The UK intellectual property office has passed a judgement declaring an artificial neural network (ANN) patentable for the first time. This decision could set a powerful precedent enabling greater protection of AI technologies, which could provide both new commercial opportunities for chemistry AIs and attract investment into this growing UK sector.

The Patents Act 1977 lists various exceptions to patent protection: medical procedures, purely intellectual ideas such as mathematical models and artistic works. Computer programs are likewise excluded unless they can demonstrate an external technical effect such as operating a robotic lab arm and instead software is typically protected by copyright and licencing agreements.