The AI Committee was established in 2025 to provide a strategic perspective on how advances in artificial intelligence are shaping the provision and delivery of intellectual property services.
The Committee has played a central role in supporting the profession to understand and respond to these developments through webinars, published guidance, and active engagement with stakeholders across the IP ecosystem. By liaising with other organisations and contributing to events, the Committee has helped ensure that the profession remains informed, prepared, and proactive in addressing both the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
A key milestone was the publication of AI Guidance for SMEs and Creators on the CIPA website on 4 December 2025. As AI tools become increasingly popular for research and drafting, they offer clear efficiency benefits for inventors and businesses. However, the guidance highlights significant risks associated with their misuse. In particular, careless use of generative AI can jeopardise patent rights. For example, entering details of an invention into an insecure AI system may constitute a public disclosure, potentially destroying patentability in jurisdictions such as the UK and Europe. The Committee therefore emphasises the importance of maintaining confidentiality, carefully reviewing AI-generated content, and working with qualified patent attorneys. It also encourages businesses to adopt clear AI policies and secure tools, while staying aligned with evolving best practice.
The Committee has also been closely engaged with legal developments at the highest level. On 21 and 22 July 2025, the UK Supreme Court heard the case of Emotional Perception AI Ltd (UKSC/2024/0131), concerning the patentability of an artificial neural network generating media recommendations based on physical file properties. Recognising the broader implications for computer-implemented inventions, CIPA collaborated with the IP Federation to submit an intervention to the Court.
The intervention was well received, with Supreme Court Justices referencing it throughout the hearing and expressing appreciation for its contribution. This collaborative effort, led by CIPA members alongside industry and legal partners, ensured that the Court benefited from clear, balanced insight reflecting both professional and commercial perspectives.
Through these activities, the AI Committee has established itself as a vital forum for leadership and guidance, helping the profession navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.