A rapidly increasing number of inventions and scientific discoveries are being made using artificial neural networks (“ANNs“) and deep learning, with patent filings mentioning these technologies growing at a steady rate. However, ANNs face significant patentability issues.
In the recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in Emotional Perception AI Limited (Appellant) v Comptroller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (Respondent) [2026] UKSC 3 (“Emotional Perception“), it was held that inventions involving ANNs may be patentable, provided that they demonstrate a technical character. The decision raises noteworthy issues relating to patentable subject matter and inventive step that may be relevant to the development of patent practice in Singapore.
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (“IPOS“) is thus inviting intellectual property practitioners to share their insights and perspectives on the relevance and potential impact of the decision to Singapore’s patent system, which will help inform future discussions and policy considerations.
The feedback questions are as follows:
- Do you think Emotional Perception is relevant to the development of patent practice in Singapore? If so, which aspects of the decision are most pertinent in informing or influencing the practice in Singapore?
- To what extent does Emotional Perception provide clarity and certainty regarding the approach to patentable subject matter and its interaction with the assessment of inventive step?
- What issues or challenges could arise for (i) patent applicants and (ii) patent practitioners from the approach set out in Emotional Perception, and how may these be addressed?
Feedback is to be submitted by 28 May 2026.
Click on the following link for more information:
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