Stuck at a Crossroad: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property in Manufacturing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption into manufacturing processes is increasing rapidly with applications from machine learning to process identification. Research and development in this area identifies a progressively growing need for standards and policy related to data structures and intellectual property (IP). One of the primary challenges to transformational adoption of AI within manufacturing is ensuring information flow throughout the operational process while simultaneously protecting rights to proprietary data. By examining how AI technologies impact the creation, protection, and exploitation of IP rights, including patents and copyrights, implementable standards and policies in the manufacturing sector can be developed. This project discusses the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in managing IP at the federal level and includes issues of ownership and data-sharing. Input on these issues was informed by discussion with several federal agencies and departments, including the USPTO and NIST. Understanding the intersection AI and IP in the manufacturing sector will shape a stronger integration of the technology in a quickly and constantly changing environment.