This week’s SpicyIP review highlights significant developments including new AI patent guidelines from the Patent Office, key copyright rulings by the Calcutta High Court, and implications for practitioners. Notably, the decisions in IPRS v. Hotel Appolo and the Thaler-Dabus case are set to impact how copyrights and patents are navigated in light of technological advancements.
SpicyIP Weekly Review: AI Patent Guidelines and High Court Orders
This week’s SpicyIP review encompasses notable developments in intellectual property law, featuring the latest guidelines from the Patent Office regarding the use of artificial intelligence in patent examinations and significant copyright rulings. The focus is particularly on the Calcutta High Court's order in IPRS v. Hotel Appolo and the Copyright Office’s decision in the Thaler-Dabus case.
The Patent Office's new guidelines aim to address the complexities introduced by AI in the patent examination process. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with these developments, ensuring compliance while navigating potential challenges that AI-infused patent applications may pose.
In addition, the Calcutta High Court deliberated on whether hotels must pay royalties to copyright societies for the content accessed through in-room television sets, a ruling that could affect licensing practices across the hospitality industry. The decision from the Copyright Office concerning the AI-generated artwork further shapes the discourse on originality and authorship.
For practitioners, these rulings signify a shifting landscape in intellectual property law, creating the necessity for updated strategies in both patent applications and copyright compliance as technology evolves.
Citations
- IPRS v. Hotel Appolo (2026) Calcutta High Court
- Thaler-Dabus (2026) Copyright Office
