Can You Patent AI? The Truth About Artificial Intelligence & Patents

In the first episode of Season 2 of Figure 1: an IP conversation, Albright IP Managing Director Robert Games is joined by Freddie Noble, head of Albright IP's computer science patent team, to answer one of the biggest questions facing innovators today: Can artificial intelligence be patented? As AI technology, machine learning tools and software-based innovations continue to transform industries, understanding how intellectual property protection applies to these developments has never been more important. This episode explores the legal challenges surrounding AI patents, software patents and computer-implemented inventions, including the recent UK Supreme Court decision in Emotional Perception AI and what it could mean for businesses, developers, founders and technology companies. The discussion covers: • Can AI inventions qualify for patent protection? • Why software and computer programs face unique patentability challenges • What does patent law mean by a "technical effect" • Examples of patentable software innovations • Why some AI and machine learning inventions succeed while others fail • The Emotional Perception AI Supreme Court case explained • How the UK Intellectual Property Office assesses software patent applications • The differences between UK and European approaches to software patents • What founders, developers and businesses should consider before filing a patent application Whether you're building AI products, developing software, investing in technology, or simply interested in intellectual property, this episode provides practical insight into one of the fastest-moving areas of patent law. Figure 1: an IP conversation brings together Albright IP's patent and trade mark attorneys to discuss intellectual property, innovation, business growth and the legal issues shaping modern technology. Subscribe for more episodes covering: • Artificial Intelligence (AI) • Patents • Trade Marks • Software Protection • Intellectual Property • Innovation • Technology Law • Startups and SMEs Want advice on protecting your AI or software innovation? Visit Albright IP: www.albright-ip.co.uk #ai #artificialintelligence #patents #intellectualproperty #machinelearning #innovationinhealthcare #technology #aiinnovation #patentlaw #softwaredevelopment #startup #techbusiness #Figure1Podcast 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Can you patent an idea in field of artificial Intelligence? 03:25 - What counts as a "technical" invention in patent law? 08:52 - Inventions that can't be patented: no technical effect 10:24 - Could the Supreme Court open the door to more software patents? 15:51 - What happened to the Emotional Perception patent application? 18:11 - What impact will this decision really have? 23:52 - Outro