Iprova Releases January 2026 Update to White Paper on AI, Invention and Patentability
Iprova has published an updated edition of its white paper, “How Is AI Affecting Invention and Patentability?”, reflecting the latest guidance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on AI‑assisted innovation and the legal standards that govern inventorship.
The January 2026 update arrives at a pivotal moment. As organisations increasingly integrate AI into their R&D and innovation workflows, questions around inventorship, disclosure and compliance have become more pressing. The USPTO’s recent guidance provides important clarity—and this white paper translates that clarity into practical insight for IP and innovation leaders.
Human Inventorship Remains the Legal Foundation
A central legal principle remains unchanged: under U.S. law, only natural persons can be named as inventors.
AI systems—whether generative, analytical or embedded in research workflows—cannot meet the legal requirement of conception. The update explains how inventorship continues to hinge on the human inventor’s ability to form a definite and operative idea of the claimed invention. This includes:
- Defining the technical problem
- Exercising judgment over AI‑generated outputs
- Developing a specific, complete solution
AI may support the process, but it does not replace human decision‑making.
AI as an Instrument in the Inventive Process
The white paper outlines how AI is treated legally as a tool—akin to software, databases or laboratory equipment. The key question for patentability remains whether a human made a significant contribution to the conception of the invention.
This distinction is essential for organisations using AI in ideation, research or problem‑solving, and the paper provides guidance on documenting human contribution in a way that supports compliant patent filings.
Expert Perspectives on Responsible Integration
The update features insights from Ruud Peters, Advisory Board Member at Iprova SA, Co‑director of CIP (Gothenburg), and former Executive Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Royal Philips. His perspective highlights how organisations can integrate AI into their innovation and IP strategies responsibly—maintaining legal clarity while unlocking the benefits of AI‑enabled creativity.
Supporting Human Inventors with Invention Studio 3
The paper also explains how Invention Studio 3, developed by Iprova, is designed to augment human inventors rather than replace them. The platform enhances the inventive process while ensuring that legal inventorship remains firmly grounded in significant human contribution.
Download the January 2026 Update
Download the white paper: How Is AI Affecting Invention and Patentability?
For IP leaders, R&D teams and legal professionals navigating AI‑assisted inventions, this update offers a clear, legally grounded perspective on the evolving landscape.
To discuss what this means for your innovation and IP strategy, contact Iprova at hello@iprova.com—our team is ready to help you navigate the evolving landscape of AI‑assisted invention.