When Google Deepmind Challenge –the historic match between the legendary Go player Lee Sedol and Google's computer Go program AlphaGo– ended up with a shocking defeat of the 18-time world champion, the world was astonished at the significance of AI technology. Now 6 years from the match, AI technology has become an essential part of our daily lives. We are no longer shocked by the AI customized recommendation service in OTT platforms or AI speakers that are even named as personal home assistants that are living closely together with us.
For such AI technology to penetrate deep into people’s lives, a surge in AI patent application seems quite natural. In fact, the KIPO reported that the number of patent applications in 2021 that are related to 4th industrial revolution (4IR) technology such as AI, IoT, and autonomous vehicles amounted to 20,503 which is a 11% increase compared to 2020. And among the patent applications, AI related patents took the largest portion which was 5,472 cases.
To look into AI patent application trends in depth, we analyzed the AI-based patent analysis database “Keywert” with our data search formula. By searching data of South Korea’s patent application in the past 20 years with keywords related to machine learning and deep learning, we found that the number of AI related patents from 2000 to 2021 reached 12,561. Between 2015 to 2019, the number of cases increased the most, and in 2016 the number skyrocketed 105% compared to the previous year. Considering the fact that the number of entire patent applications decreased 2.3% in the same period, the rise of AI patent applications is truly significant.
Due to the surge in the number of patent applications, the KIPO has introduced an expedited examination system for patent applications related to the 4IR technologies (AI, IoT, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles, big data, intelligent robots, and cloud computing) starting from 2018. The expedited examination was expected to shorten the total pending time of the examination of AI patents to approximately one third and promote faster registration of AI patents. Nevertheless, PI IP’s statistics show that the average total pending time in registering AI patents is still taking longer than average. While the average time spent from the first OA to final decision of all patents registered in 2020 was about 6 months, that of the Convergence Technology Examination Bureau of the KIPO which deals with 4IR technologies was around 6.4 months. Although the KIPO is implementing various administrative measures to deal with the pouring number of AI patent applications, it seems it is still difficult to manage their pending time.
The head of the Convergence Technology Examination Bureau stated that patent applications related to the 4IR technologies have been increasing with an annual average of 14% for the past decade, and is expected to continue its upward trend. He also emphasized that the bureau will adopt examination criteria that accords with the trend, and provide administrative measures that correspond to the actual needs to speed up the examination. As data shows, as the number of AI patent applications are rising dramatically and the time spent until their registration is becoming longer, additional measures from the KIPO seems surely necessary to speed up their pending time.
While a new round of technical innovation is commencing, a fierce global competition is inevitable and this has already been reflected in the great increase of AI patents. With AI technology being noted as the key technology driving the digital revolution, a profound insight in the field is essential for companies to patent their rights.
From the beginning for our business, PI IP LAW’s main expertise was focused on AI, having more than 70% of our entire cases involved with AI and software technologies. Our firm has a deep understanding in the emerging technologies and we are continuously striving to provide ultimate client satisfaction based on our high-quality services. In an age where an inexorable shift from conventional to novel technologies is ongoing, we strongly believe that we as a true pioneer of AI technology can help our clients build a competent patent strategy.
In the upcoming articles, we would like to introduce major convergence technologies being patented according to our Keywert search formula. PI IP LAW will strive to provide our valued clients with insights that could contribute to your business.
