Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to dominate headlines, but 2025 marks a turning point: the convergence of AI and Quantum Computing (QAI) is no longer theoretical—it’s shaping real-world innovation. For businesses and researchers in the University of Warwick Science Park community, this evolution presents both opportunity and challenge.
Record growth in AI patents
AI patent publications at the European Patent Office (EPO) hit an all-time high in 2024, reflecting sustained investment and mainstream adoption across sectors. From healthcare to logistics, AI is now embedded in everyday solutions. However, as quantum technology enters the mix, the intellectual property (IP) landscape becomes more complex—and more critical.
The quantum AI race
Our latest research shows a fascinating split in global innovation trends. While the US and South Korea lead per capita AI filings at the EPO, Japan has surged ahead in quantum AI, overtaking even the US in per capita QAI publications. This signals a growing global race to secure foundational technology in quantum-enhanced AI—a race that European innovators cannot afford to ignore.
Why IP strategy matters now
Quantum AI applications often target “optimisation problems”—areas where quantum computing excels, such as supply chain design, maintenance scheduling, and transport logistics. These use cases promise enormous commercial value, with the QAI-driven optimisation market projected to exceed $2 billion by 2030. Yet, there’s a catch: the EPO currently grants QAI patents at a rate about 4% lower than classical AI inventions. Why? Many QAI applications fall into categories the EPO deems “non-technical,” making them harder to protect.
For innovators, this means that securing IP isn’t just about filing early—it’s about filing smart. The key lies in demonstrating the technical character of your invention, particularly the interaction between AI algorithms and quantum hardware. Without this detail, critical innovations risk being unpatentable, leaving businesses exposed as the market matures.
What this means for science park businesses
For spin-outs, SMEs, and research-led enterprises in the Science Park ecosystem, the message is clear: IP strategy must evolve alongside technology. Whether you’re developing classical AI solutions or exploring quantum applications, understanding the patentability criteria is essential to attracting investment and safeguarding commercial potential.
Marks & Clerk has been at the forefront of AI and quantum IP for over a decade, filing more European applications for core AI technology than any other representative since 2015. This fifth annual AI Report dives deeper into these trends, offering practical insights for innovators navigating this fast-changing landscape.
