The patent system assumes that inventors are human. Inventions devised by machines require their own intellectual property law and an international treaty.

In 2020, a machine-learning algorithm helped researchers to develop a potent antibiotic that works against many pathogens (see ). Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used to aid vaccine development, drug design, materials discovery, space technology and ship design. Within a few years, numerous inventions could involve AI. This is creating one of the biggest threats patent systems have faced. Here is more about the article: