Stephen Thaler v. Vidal/USPTO
Docket No. 2021-2347 (https://cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/21-2347.OPINION.8-5-2022_1988142.pdf)
MOORE, TARANTO, STARK
August 5, 2022
Brief Summary: FC panel affirms ED VA and USPTO findings that only human beings and not computers (i.e., artificial intelligence) can be inventors under the Patent Act.
Summary: Stephen Thaler appealed USPTO and DC denials of his patent applications “which failed to list any human as an inventor” because “the Patent Act defines ‘inventor’ as limited to natural persons; that is, human beings.” The ED VA agreed with the USPTO, and Mr. Thaler appealed to the FC. In the patent applications to a
Continue Reading Artificial intelligence cannot be an inventor under the Patent Act, Fed. Cir. holds