Source: Mondaq

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is experiencing unprecedented growth, transforming various sectors and redefining the concept of technological innovation. According to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), over 54,000 patent applications related to GenAI were filed between 2014 and 2023, with a remarkable 25% of them in 2023 alone.

China is leading the global race, having filed over 38,000 patents during the same period, followed by the United States with approximately 6,300 patents. The relationship between technological innovation and patent activity is very close and reflects not only scientific progress but also the strategic importance companies place on protecting their AI-based innovations.

GenAI-related patents cover not only basic technologies, such as algorithms and machine learning models, but also specific applications like automatic content generation, speech synthesis, and digital image creation, which are rapidly expanding.

China has dominated the patent landscape thanks to massive investment in research and development, supported by favorable government policies. Giants like Tencent and Baidu are among the main players in this field, turning patented innovations into competitive market advantages. However, the United States and South Korea continue to play a significant role, with companies like IBM and Samsung leading innovation in the sector.

The rapid growth of patents related to GenAI also raises legal and ethical issues, such as defining what can be patented and the authorship of AI inventions. These issues will require new legal interpretations as the technology continues to evolve.