Artificial Intelligence & Intellectual Property – Patentability of AI and examination practices

When?

On 18 September 2026 from 09:00 to 12:00

Registration deadline: 07/09/2026.

An event organised by the Patlib Hainaut and LiEU centres

As research results incorporating artificial intelligence become increasingly common, their protection through patents is becoming an increasingly delicate issue for those involved in knowledge transfer.

In practice, this raises key questions: how should these results be positioned, how should a patent application be structured, and how can critical points be anticipated from the earliest stages of the project?

In this context, Patlib Hainaut and Patlib LiEU are organising a morning session dedicated to these issues on Friday 18 September 2026 at UMONS.

With contributions from:

Marie-Claude Pellegrini, Patent Attorney at Withers & Rogers
Kepa, European Patent Attorney at De Clercq & Partners, a firm specialised in intellectual property

AI is fundamentally reshaping R&D, from how innovation is generated to how IP is protected and valorised. During this interactive workshop, we will discuss the practical implications of these developments for IP strategy and portfolio management. We will also take a closer look at the requirements for effectively protecting computer-implemented inventions (CII) through patents, using practical examples with a particular focus on software, AI, computer modelling, and simulations.

The session will include updates on recent legal and regulatory developments and is suitable for both experienced participants and newcomers. Whether your interest lies in IP protection for software, machine learning, or innovations across technical fields such as engineering, chemistry, and healthcare, this workshop will provide real-world examples and practical insights.

And a testimonial from Luca La Fisca, researcher at UMONS (Information, Signal and Artificial Intelligence Department), with feedback from a research project

IN PRACTICE

When? September 18, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (the event will be followed by lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Where? UMONS, Campus de la plaine de Nimy, De Vinci Building, Mirzakhani room
Event held in English
Remote participation is available (the Teams link will be sent to you after registration, in early September)

👉 Register here before 7 September 2026.

THE SPEAKERS

Jacek Kepa

Jacek studied physics and obtained a PhD from the University of Leuven, specialising in semiconductor surfaces and interfaces for microchip development.

After completing his doctorate, Jacek joined De Clercq & Partners and qualified as a European Patent Attorney. He also obtained the Certificate in Patent Litigation in Europe from the Academy of European Law in Trier and Maastricht University, and is registered as a representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

During his career as a patent attorney, Jacek has specialised in inventions relating to electronics, software, and AI across a wide range of technical domains, including medical technology, security, semiconductors, energy, robotics, and advanced electromechanical applications.

More infos.