In April of 2021, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) launched a campaign to highlight some of the most absurd patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The first patent highlighted was for an AI program called “Stupid Patent of the Month”. This patent is particularly concerning because it attempts to claim ownership over a basic concept in artificial intelligence: using machine learning algorithms to generate new ideas or inventions.
The patent was filed by Intellectual Ventures, LLC, which has become notorious for its aggressive approach to acquiring patents and then suing companies who use similar technologies without permission. In this case, they are attempting to own a fundamental idea behind many modern AI applications—the ability for machines to learn from data and come up with creative solutions on their own.
This type of patenting could stifle innovation in AI technology as well as other areas where creativity is key. It would also create legal uncertainty around existing products that rely on similar concepts, potentially leading to costly litigation down the line if Intellectual Ventures decides to enforce their claims against those products.
Fortunately, there are ways we can fight back against these kinds of patents before they become too entrenched in our legal system. One way is through public pressure campaigns like EFF’s Stupid Patent of the Month series; another way is through filing challenges at the USPTO itself when such patents are issued. We can also work together with legislators and policy makers so that laws better reflect current technological realities rather than outdated notions about what should be protected under intellectual property law.
Ultimately, it’s important that we remain vigilant about protecting our right to innovate freely without fear of being sued over something as basic as an algorithm or concept used in artificial intelligence programs—and make sure no one company gets away with claiming ownership over them either! |Stupid Patent Of The Month: Trying To Get U.S Patents On An AI|Patent|Electronic Frontier Foundation
