This presentation is an introductory intellectual property (IP) and patenting guide for researchers and professionals working in quantum computing and quantum algorithms.
It explains the growing global patent landscape in quantum software, noting that patent activity. We will see how the volume of patents in different areas has increased, which countries are patenting, where they are patenting and the existing gap in European quantum patents.
Onced analysed the trend in patents related to quantum computing, we will focus on the main concepts of patents. What is a patent, how long it last, what to keep in mind, what can be patented etc. A principal focus is whether quantum algorithms can be patented. While abstract mathematics, scientific theories and software as such are generally excluded from patent protection, an algorithm may be patentable if it solves a technical problem.
The presentation also introduces the main patentability requirements: novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. Its most important practical message for a scientific-conference audience is to avoid publicly disclosing a potentially valuable invention—through a paper, talk, poster or other publication—before discussing it with an IP professional and, where appropriate, filing a patent application.
We finish the talk with key guidelines on why patenting as a researcher is valuable and few key take-aways for the audience to remember.
We will ensure there is enough time for final questions!
