In a recent judgement, the Madras High Court has upheld the controller’s decision of rejection of a patent application for an invention aimed at integrating human intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI). The applicant, Caleb Suresh Motupalli, had filed a patent application for a system designed to enhance human capabilities by merging human and AI functionalities.
Background of the Invention:
The invention, titled “Necktie Persona-Extender/Environment-Integrator and Method for Super-Augmenting a Persona to Manifest a Pan-Environment Super-Cyborg,” proposed a method to augment human abilities through the integration of AI. The applicant argued that this system would function alongside the user, enhancing both cognitive and physical abilities.
Patent Office Examination:
After examination, the Indian Patent Office issued a First Examination Report (FER) raising objections regarding the applicability, novelty, and compliance of the claimed invention with the provisions of the Patents Act 1970. The applicant made certain amendments to the patent claims and filed for reconsideration. Despite these amendments, the Controller of Patents maintained the objections and refused the application for Patent.
Court’s Decision:
The Madras High Court, presided over by Justice Senthil Kumar Ramamoorthy, dismissed the appeal of restoration of the patent application, stating that there are no sufficient grounds to interfere with the Controller’s decision. The court concluded that the invention lacked sufficient technical detail, clarity, inventive step, and failed to demonstrate patentable subject matter, rendering it non-patentable under the statutory requirements.
Implications:
This decision of the Madras High Court underscores the importance of providing clear and detailed technical features of invention in patent applications, especially in emerging fields like AI integration. It also highlights the necessity for inventions to demonstrate a clear inventive step and technical clarity to meet the patentability criteria under the Patents Act 1970.