Ownership questions split into copyright (who can copy) and patents (who invented). AI output without human creative control is unsettled in copyright; patents require named human inventors who conceived the claims.
Patent inventorship rules (2026)
After Thaler, the USPTO requires natural-person inventors. Document how you directed AI tools, selected claims, and verified results.
USPTO AI inventorship rules · Document inventorship in AI IDEs
Employment and contractor agreements
Many employers own inventions created in scope of work. Solo founders should record conception dates before sharing with cofounders or investors.
Measure human conception strength
Patent PreCheck estimates human vs. AI contribution from your source and disclosure — a prep signal before counsel formalizes inventorship.
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