Can you give a brief overview on the AI patents you have filed to date?

Recognising humans via surveillance systems can be ineffective when the person's face is not clearly visible or if external factors prevent accurate identification of the facial features. Sasken has been granted a patent for inventing an algorithm that addresses these situations. With a well-defined expert system and machine learning, images captured via surveillance systems would be processed and classified to correctly identify a human presence without relying on facial features alone. Today, a substantial part of processing and AI technologies are taking place on the edge. Instead of images and videos being sent to the back end and consuming more bandwidth, the idea was to develop algorithms that can enable human detection within an IoT device, in this case, specifically a camera integrated with other chipsets. This patent can be licensed by Sasken.

What role do you see these patents/invention playing in AI innovations for future?

AI is advancing rapidly and we can expect patent wars in this domain in the future. Smaller companies may see merit in working with bigger cloud leaders and patent giants. I think this is going to become a highly competitive field - with more patents being filed, more thinkers will emerge and participate actively in nurturing innovation. Already, some startups are doing some niche work leading to patent grants that's playing a key role in their acquisition.

Why is it important to patent inventions?

The main reason is to protect IP, limit instances of idea theft, and to build one's prestige as a thinker or innovator. A patent is among the highest indications of your intelligence, creativity being recognised.

What are the biggest challenges in the patent filing process?

We file our patents in India, then 6 months later in the USA. While filing in India isn't problematic per se, the patenting process does takes longer. More so, examiners tend to be very thorough and due diligence is done rigorously to ensure there is no duplication. SASKEN has more than 80 patents, mostly granted in India and USA. We are among the earliest inventors of patents - we had about 50+ patents back in the early 00s. We have had a lot of industry support to get here. Technology leadership and technical expertise has made us a venerable name in the field of patent filing. It is easy to feel intimidated or experience a creative block, with such a legacy. The key is not to get biased or intimidated. Even though I have no background or training in visual processing, I didn't get deterred from filing patent applications. You can always refer to existing literature to see how to build upon existing patents. You need to be creative with patents to make a difference. It also helps to showcase a solution demonstrating that the idea can be implemented to ensure its efficacy and impact.

What trend do you expect to see in the coming year with respect to AI patent filing?

Patents will definitely increase in the AI with the rising competition, growth in specialised technical skills and the wide application of AI in use cases across industries. The propensity to develop and acquire patents will also increase. Moreover, the advent of 5G will accelerate innovation in AI. In addition, we are at the cusp of seeing blockchain mature and accelerate. This combination of 5G, AI, Blockchain, and IoT provides potential for further innovation, wherein patents will play a crucial role in ensuring intellectual integrity.