Quantum Computing For Wealth And Security – Patent

Global development of quantum computing technology is advancing
rapidly with both the public and private sector investing heavily
to get quantum computers ready for real-world applications. But
what are these real-world applications?

Quantum-pioneer Professor Gerard Milburn – the
“M” in the KLM scheme for quantum computing with linear
optics – addressed this question yesterday at a public
lecture in Oxford hosted by the Hub for Quantum Computing via
Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3) and the National
Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). In his lecture, Professor Milburn
emphasised the importance of “valuable” applications of
quantum computing, namely those that will bring about economic
growth and those that will make us more secure. As examples of
each, he considered the use of quantum computers for solving
problems in chemistry, particularly drug discovery and catalyst
design, and for fraud detection, citing recent work by HSBC and Quantinuum.

One question for creators of “valuable” quantum
technologies is whether this value can be captured commercially
using patents. For example, many patent offices such as the UKIPO and the EPO, have subject matter
exclusions to prevent patents being granted for purely abstract
algorithmic inventions, regardless of whether the algorithms in
question are classical or quantum mechanical in nature. These
exclusions can make it challenging to obtain patents for quantum
software.

Tying the use of the new algorithm to particular technical
applications, such as designing a new alloy or drug, or allowing
secure transmission of data, can nevertheless provide one way of
obtaining patent protection for commercially valuable algorithmic
advances.

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