When computers started going mainstream in late 20th century, it began a transformation that we had never even imagined. Our very civilisation had to restructure how it worked and lived which spawned numerous other avenues for development.

Similarly, we are at the cusp of yet another transformation that no one could have seen coming then. Artificial Intelligence, another product of the computing revolution, is now getting advanced enough that scientists are seeking patents for its inventions.

The idea of humans' invention, inventing other things, sounds pretty weird at first. It almost feels as if we have created an another intelligent species. Regardless, it is happening and will bring unforeseen benefits as well as challenges.

One of the obvious challenges is the trend of the legal system trailing behind technologicla innovations which hampers their pace and ability to reach full potential. Scientists are experiencing exactly that as they battle it out with patent offices around the world.

Can AI's Inventions Be Patented?

American engineer Stephen Thaler, creator of an AI algorithm, Dabus AI has filed patents in the US, Europe and UK listing the AI has the inventor. He believes that the algorithm deserves credit for the new products, a new food container and a new lamp that flickers in a pattern mimicking a brain's activity.

The patent offices however, are in disagreement with the idea as traditionally, only humans have been listed as inventors. In response, legal experts and Thaler have pushed back saying that patent laws are now outdated as AI systems are increasingly inventing stuff on their own.

Even though the legal system may be right in following and protecting existing laws and not wanting to create unforeseen legal precedents, it raises an important issue. In a world with exponential technological progress, laws might always trail behind which can come in the way of said progress itself.

The need of the hour is for laws to stay in sync with innovations or even a step ahead, if at all possible. This will ensure that progress is not stifled while order is maintained at the same time.

As for Stephen Thaler's proposal to list his AI as an inventor, it might take years for the current legal system to make new laws considering how complex of a matter this is and the consequences it might have.