Creativity drives innovation.
The stringent enforcement of intellectual property rights protects it.
That connectivity is essential for smart entrepreneurs in California and elsewhere whose extraordinary vision, passion, and sweat equity is the catalyst for cutting-edge developments that propel society forward. In order to allow for these innovators to continue to make key contributions to betterment, safeguards must be in place to protect against protection of rights.
One online spotlight highlights inspired thinking, and stresses that its continued application across myriad realms is ensured only “if it is fully and vigilantly protected.”
One of those realms is the autonomous-vehicle industry, a sphere that legions of people deemed to be pure science fiction just a few short years ago.
That is no longer the case, of course. The once far-off future is now literally bathed in the headlights of self-driving cars. Consistent brainstorming and innovation are progressively fine-tuning an impending new reality.
What is the concern in the autonomous-car industry with AI?
Principals in the self-driving universe are obviously focused on a number of critically important matters. At the top of the list are to keep pace with new innovations.
Consider this number: Reportedly, nearly 5,600 patent applications focused upon machine learning relevant to autonomous cars were filed in the last year.
That is a stunning figure. How can the USPTO’s patent process keep up with that? In fact, a recent article on the subject matter refers to “the difficulty of describing the methods or functions of an AI system for a patent grant”, and as such, new technologies can sprint ahead of the USPTO’s current IP framework and processes leaving innovators unsure of how to proceed with their inventions.
This is where intellectual property attorneys prove their worth: by helping innovators apply for intellectual property protection, deterring third-party infringement and vigorously enforcing legal claims.
Is there broad-based IP protection for autonomous-vehicle developers?
Of course, there is. The above-cited article stresses that many IP developers in the industry supplement patent applications by seeking to protect their work under trade secret laws. Again, an experienced team of IP lawyers can help promote that goal, with on-point and timely assistance in matters that include the following:
- Execution of contracts with key employees (e.g., noncompete, non-disclosure, and confidentiality agreements)
- Hiring and exit interviews that include close focus on the identification and protection of proprietary property
- Crafting of relevant training materials/programs and handbooks
- Implementation of rigorous security measures
Safeguarding intellectual property rights is a key concern in every context. And that is perhaps especially so in a realm like autonomous vehicles, where embedded technology promises to change the world in a fundamental sense.
The architects of new innovation in any 21st-century transformative realm have a compelling need to secure their IP rights and fend off parties that seek to unlawfully exploit them. Seasoned IP attorneys can help them do that.
For intellectual property help in California, call Wang IP Law Group, P.C., at 626-269-6753.