A recent decision by new USPTO Director John Squires approved a patent for an AI-related invention, suggesting a shift toward stronger protection for innovations in artificial intelligence. The move challenges earlier thinking that AI inventions are too abstract to patent.
McCarter partner, Dave Christensen, spoke to World IP Review, about Squires’ decision noting, “It’s a message to the examining corps that needed to be sent.” The director used this decision to address concerns with the earlier ruling and to signal a clearer policy direction, encouraging examiners to give thoughtful consideration to AI-related patent applications.