Budapest, 7 October 2024
The Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) hosted an international event titled “Intellectual Property in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” on 1-2 October 2024, as part of the series of events organised on the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event brought together senior officials and professionals of the topic. The discussions and presentations were focused on the rapid pace of technological development, with a special emphasis on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) affects copyright and intellectual property protection, as well as the enforcement of such rights in relation to AI usage.
The event was opened by Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN (Hungarian Research Network), and HIPO President Szabolcs Farkas. Both leaders highlighted the importance of jointly addressing and resolving issues arising from the rise of AI, particularly during the Hungarian presidency. As Szabolcs Farkas said in his opening address: “The emergence of artificial intelligence fundamentally changes the trajectory of human development, impacting technology, science, creativity, and daily life. However, what remains unchanged is the core drivers of human nature – innovation and creativity.”
Humanity will always innovate and create, though the tools used for this purpose may vary, and the framework of intellectual property rights must adapt accordingly.
Szabolcs Farkas HIPO President
The conference attracted senior officials of international organizations. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), shared insights into the global trends shaping the relationship between intellectual property (IP) and AI. As he emphasised, generative AI will never be a technology capable of producing original, valuable works. AI is not a new species but a tool that must be harnessed for good and useful purposes. The director elaborated that digital and technological advancements represent the future of innovation, where creativity must remain in focus, and humans must remain at the centre.
European perspectives and challenges were discussed by João Negrão, Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and Christoph Ernst, Vice President of the European Patent Office (EPO). They emphasized that the key to economic growth in European countries, including Hungary, is held by SMEs. Merete Clausen, the European Commission’s Director of Investments, spoke about the market potential of technology, reflecting on the outcomes of the 2020 IP Action Plan. As she noted, IP-intensive industries generate nearly half of the EU’s GDP, which highlights the need for a strategy that rewards and promotes creativity and innovation.
On the first day of the conference, representatives from various industries discussed how AI is reshaping their sectors, and the challenges it poses. According to a recent WIPO study, the number of patents related to generative AI had been only 733 in 2014, but this number exceeded 14,000 in 2023. Another study by GEMA-SACEM projected that generative AI could threaten up to 27% of revenue streams for music creators by 2028.
In light of these developments, the discussions also touched on the future of work, music composition, and creativity in the era of generative AI and large language models. Dr. István Peták, a researcher and oncologist, explained how algorithm-based medicine is opening unprecedented possibilities for medical science, and highlighted the critical role of IP in this field.
Several panel discussions addressed issues related to intellectual property protection and enforcement. One key topic was how challenging new technologies can also support the work of authorities. For instance, AI technology can independently detect counterfeit goods on online marketplaces (trademark recognition) or identify copyright-protected content in digital spaces (fighting plagiarism).
A copyright-focused panel explored how to ensure a satisfactory ratio of European cultural content (as opposed to non-European content) in AI-based services. Dr. Péter Lábody, Deputy President for Legal, International and Innovation Affairs at HIPO, gave a presentation on liability for works created by generative AI, and on the handling of potential infringements.
In parallel with the conference, bilateral meetings were held between international organizations and leaders of companies active in intellectual property management, as well as key players in the innovation ecosystem. Among others, the pharmaceutical concern Richter Gedeon and traditional beverage manufacturer Törley received delegations, demonstrating the significant economic value that protected brands represent for the national economy.
The meetings also extended to the academic sector. The delegations met with leaders of two Hungarian institutions to discuss the development of an IP management training program, and to explore how students can acquire practical, immediately applicable IP knowledge in order to protect their creations and foster creativity through trademark and design registrations.
Source – Hungarian EU Presidency