Software programs continue to be at the forefront of innovation, whether they interface with conventional hardware components to create new and useful inventions, or whether the software itself is the sole innovation in the case of pure software inventions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology which enables a machine to simulate human behavior. Machine Learning is a subset of artificial intelligence, which allows machines to learn and make predictions based on its experience (past data). Deep learning is a subset of machine learning in which multi-layered neural networks learn from vast amounts of data. AI technology is now being employed in virtually every industry sector.
Software is particularly challenging to protect under existing patent laws due to unique legal complexities resulting from statutory subject matter restrictions and invention disclosure requirements that differ from conventional invention disclosures. In addition to the challenges faced by other types of software-based innovations, there are further legal complexities that are unique to AI innovations. For example, AI inventions are increasingly being rejected for statutory subject matter reasons. The team at Panitch Schwarze has experience in navigating these types of challenges for numerous clients, both large and small.
One software/technology area that is experiencing significant growth in the U.S. economy, and worldwide, is gaming, and technology innovations play a major role in that growth. Virtually every area of gaming, such as state lotteries, slot machines, and video game software, is adopting new technology to expand and enhance the gaming experience. This specific industry faces its own challenges in the realm of IP protection, and our team has significant experience in building valuable patent portfolios for companies in the gaming technology space.
The team at Panitch Schwarze – which includes numerous former Patent Examiners who examined patent applications in a multitude of software areas – has decades of experience navigating the difficult landscape faced by software-based inventions. Our team works with many companies that are implementing AI in their processes, as well as companies that are innovating AI technology. We also work with numerous companies that are making advancements in the field of gaming technology.
We assist clients in preparing, prosecuting, and obtaining patents in the United States and abroad, and we are experienced in preparing patent applications that properly disclose and claim all of these types of software- and technology-based inventions. We also conduct due diligence analyses of portfolios and draft licenses and other agreements related to these IP assets. When necessary, we have extensive experience in litigating patent rights in court and conducting post-grant proceedings before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
To learn more about how Panitch Schwarze intellectual property lawyers can help you, please contact us.