AI Specific Hardware And Algorithms, The Hot New Couple In AI

We've seen the launch of devices that include AI processors specifically adapted to run artificial intelligence  (AI) algorithms. This trend isn't limited to server scale devices but is now finding its way through to consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets and personal computing devices. These developments help AI to brush up photos, enrich audio and make virtual assistants more helpful but, with the versatility of AI techniques, the opportunities are almost endless.

Of course, these valuable new hardware developments are potentially protectable by Patents in Europe if they are new and provide an inventive step over previously known devices.   However, the algorithms and other software that works hand in hand with the new hardware may also be potentially patentable in Europe if they are novel, inventive and provide a technical contribution.  The current guidance from the EPO gives examples of such technical contributions potentially being provided by AI