While there were 11,940 patent applications in the digital communications category in 2018, up 0.7% on the previous year, and computer technology were ahead by 3.3% to 11,718 the rate of innovation in the UK jumped. Patent filings from the UK are up 7.8% with digital communications filings up 9.9% and computer technology filings surging by an impressive 31.3%.
Globally AI and quantum computing are going to have a massive impact on economies and societies and these latest figures suggest that the UK is working hard, in terms of digital innovation, to close the gap on leaders in this space like China, the US and Germany.
As AI development and use accelerates, however, it’s crucial that IP and patenting laws adapt and keep pace with technology innovation.
