The Intersection of Intellectual Property and AI: HUN-REN at the Threshold of a New Era

HUN-REN has made significant progress in developing its IP portfolio: over the past four years, the number of registered patents and other forms of protection has increased by approximately 40%, while this year more than half of these protections are already being processed or registered abroad. This trend clearly indicates that the protection of research results has become a critical factor in global competitiveness.

HUN-REN’s IP commercialization model is built on a three-pillar ecosystem, as highlighted by Roland Jakab in his presentation. Its components include the Innovation Department, the network of institutional innovation managers, and HUN-REN’s dedicated technology transfer company, HUNRENTECH.

This structure ensures that research results are transformed into legally protected, market-ready, and scalable solutions. A central role is played by HUNRENTECH, which supports the entire innovation lifecycle—from the development of IP strategy through licensing to the facilitation of startup creation.

“Intellectual property management is therefore not merely a legal issue, but an integral part of the research value chain, particularly in the case of AI-based developments, where the protection of algorithms, datasets, and models creates new challenges,” Roland Jakab emphasized.

Within HUN-REN’s strategy, artificial intelligence is not merely a tool but a new paradigm for scientific operations. The Network simultaneously builds on both the “AI for Science” and “AI-first Science” approaches: on the one hand, AI supports research processes; on the other, scientific methodology itself is being rethought and reorganized around AI.

Artificial intelligence is applied across the full spectrum of the innovation chain—from hypothesis generation through experimental design and data analysis to the preparation of scientific publications. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of AI in innovation processes, including supporting patenting decisions, analysing market potential, conducting competitor analysis, and developing go-to-market strategies. This integration can significantly accelerate IP-based commercialization while reducing risks and increasing the success rate of market entry. This is particularly important for HUN-REN, as supporting innovation-driven economic growth and improving Hungary’s competitiveness, sustainability, and public health are core elements of the Network’s mission.

International fora such as the AIPEX conference highlight that the relationship between intellectual property and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly intertwined on a global scale. AI not only creates new research opportunities but also raises new types of IP-related questions. There are, as yet, no straightforward answers to issues such as authorship of AI-generated inventions, the protection of data-driven innovations, or the licensing models applicable to AI-based systems.

HUN-REN’s practice demonstrates that these challenges can only be addressed through an integrated, strategic approach in which IP management and AI development are closely interconnected. This creates the conditions for world-class scientific results to receive effective IP protection and to be rapidly commercialized with the support of AI. Such a model can not only strengthen Hungary’s competitiveness but also serve as a benchmark for transforming scientific excellence into tangible economic and societal value in the 21st century.