Abstract
Patents are playing an increasingly important role in today’s business world. A patent portfolio can enable a company to secure a monopoly within the market, which can provide a distinct advantage over competitors. At the same time, possessing a patent portfolio greatly increases the value of a company’s intangible assets. The inherent value of patents was demonstrated by the U.S. Courts in i4i Ltd. v. Microsoft Corp., which resulted in a payout of $290 million by Microsoft to the Canadian owners of the U.S. patent at issue. This presentation will provide an overview of patenting strategy as it pertains to innovations in AI-based computer modelling, and particularly innovation in AI-based mineral resource estimation. A review of recent changes in policy pertaining to the patentability of computer-based inventions, and in particular AI-based inventions in the mining sector, that have currently been adopted by Patent Offices around the world also be provided.