AI’s Impact on Patent Law Among Key Topics as WIPO Committee Convenes in Geneva

Experts and delegates from WIPO Member States and observer organizations gather in Geneva this week for the 38th session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP), taking place from November 2 to 6, 2026.

The meeting brings together WIPO Member States, patent law and policy experts, and WIPO observers from across the world to examine developments in the global patent system and discuss how patent frameworks can continue to support innovation in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

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Opening the session, WIPO Deputy Director General Laura Peter highlighted the importance of patent systems remaining responsive.

As technology advances, the patent system must continue to respond to new developments while maintaining its fundamental purpose,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the patent system in encouraging innovation, investment and the development of new products and services.

Artificial intelligence and patent law

A major focus of this year's discussions is the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on patent law and practice.

Delegates are examining questions surrounding the patentability of AI-related inventions, including how existing patentability requirements apply to AI-assisted and AI-generated inventions, and the implications of AI on inventorship, prior art and other key patent law concepts.

A separate session focuses on the use of AI and other digital tools in patent examination, giving patent offices the chance to share experiences, challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

Supporting innovation and technology transfer

Another key area of discussion is how patent systems can facilitate the transfer of technology from research institutions to industry.

On the agenda is a new study on best practices and challenges in technology transfer in the health and green technology sectors, with particular attention to collaboration between universities and businesses.

The agenda also includes a comprehensive study examining foreign-filing requirements and the challenges these may pose to inventors for international research and innovation partnerships.

Patents and outer space activities

A proposal submitted by China on IP protection in connection with outer space activities is also under consideration this year.

The proposal calls for an exchange of information on IP protection in this emerging field, providing an opportunity for Member States to share perspectives and experiences as technological innovation and commercial activity in space continue to develop.

Updated database on national and regional patent laws

The meeting also features the presentation of WIPO's restructured and user-friendly database on selected aspects of national and regional patent laws. The updated online resource provides information on how different jurisdictions approach key patent law issues, including prior art, novelty, inventive step and grace periods.

Drawing on existing and new contributions from Member States and regional patent offices, the database offers new features to help users search and compare information across jurisdictions.

Three additional topics, including sufficiency of disclosure, exclusions from patentable subject matter, and exceptions and limitations to patent rights, are scheduled for development in 2027.

Explore the database

Other areas of discussion

This year’s SCP also examines the private and/or non-commercial use exception to patent rights, the availability of patent status information relating to medical products and health technologies, and the different types of patent advisors that enjoy legal protection of their communications with their clients.

The agenda also includes updates on WIPO's work related to standard essential patents (SEPs), including the WIPO Strategy on Standard Essential Patents 2024–2026 and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms for resolving disputes involving fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms.

Download the agenda

About the SCP

The SCP provides a forum for Member States to exchange information and perspectives on patent law and policy, working towards the development of the international patent system with an inclusive and coordinated approach. More information.