人工智能算法的专利适格性问题研究——基于算法特征的讨论

Research on the Patent Suitability of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm—An Analysis Based on a Discussion of the Algorithmic Features

人工智能算法的专利适格性问题是人工智能技术可专利性问题的核心。人工智能算法与技术联系紧密、能够自我更新和调整、兼具抽象概念和技术规则双重属性。其与传统的算法和计算机程序具有区别,在商业上和工业上具有独立的保护价值,理论上能够成为专利法上的适格客体。现有的专利适格性判断标准忽视了人工智能算法的独特属性和独立价值,应当摒弃全面肯定或全面否定人工智能算法可专利性的传统思路,以算法的具象化程度作为专利适格性判断的核心标准,考察该人工智能算法是否能够作为应用直接对外提供、是否受到应用环境的约束并作出改动。调整后的判断标准可以有选择地将部分人工智能算法纳入专利法的保护范围,从而实现权利保护与公益维护之间的平衡。

The object attribute of AI algorithm is the core of the patentability of artificial intelligence technology.As a collection of methods for a certain purpose,AI algorithm is algorithm and computer program in a broad meaning.It is tightly associated with technology,self-updating,and has the characteristics of both abstract concepts and technical rules.Thus,it is different from traditional algorithm and computer program to some extent.Moreover,it has indepen⁃dent value in commerce and industry.So it should be considered as an suitable object in Patent Law.However,the ex⁃isting idea of AI algorithm patent suitability either admits that all AI algorithms are suitable,infinitely expanding and blurred the boundary of patent protection;or continues the traditional idea based on traditional technical features or hardware,ignoring the independent value of AI algorithm itself.The degree of visualization of the algorithm should be taken as the core criterion of patent suitability judgment,that is,whether the artificial intelligence algorithm can be di⁃rectly provided as an application and whether it is constrained by the application environment and makes changes.Through this criteria,some artificial intelligence algorithms can be reasonably included in the protection scope of the Patent Law.