The government announced the launch of a new consultation led by the Intellectual Property Office that will explore how the copyright and patent system should handle Artificial Intelligence (AI.)

The government said that while it wants the UK to be at the forefront of AI use and development, it also wants to preserve the role of intellectual property (IP) in promoting human creativity.

It has previously sought views on the interaction of AI and IP, which raised questions about the balance in the copyright system between the protection of human works and AI works, and the use of copyright material in machine learning.

According to the government, for patents, issues were identified that could stifle innovation as the use of AI systems increases.

The consultation is seeking evidence and views on the extent to which patents and copyright should protect inventions and creative works made by AI and measures to make it easier to use copyright protected material in AI development.

“As one of the most digitally advanced economies, we want to create the best environment for artificial intelligence companies and innovators by ensuring our copyright and patent system is a catalyst for them to thrive, making the UK the natural home for ground-breaking research and development,” said science minister, George Freeman.

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