In a recent filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Google has argued that artificial intelligence (AI) should not be considered an "inventor" under US patent law. The USPTO is currently seeking public comments on AI technologies and inventorship, specifically questioning whether AI's contributions to inventions should qualify it as a joint inventor and whether AI-generated contributions could be part of the public domain.

Google's senior patent counsel, Laura Sheridan, emphasized that AI should not be classified as an inventor under US Patent Law. Instead, they advocate for people to be granted patents for innovations facilitated by AI. Google hopes the USPTO will provide clear guidance on this matter and prioritize technical training for patent examiners evaluating AI-related inventions. Google believes that current industry applications of AI fall within the realm where humans are appropriately recognized as inventors, while AI is viewed as a tool in the invention process.