Can artificial intelligence invent in Slovenia?

The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has sparked global debate on whether non-human systems can be recognised as inventors under patent law. This paper examines the Slovenian legal framework to determine if AIgenerated inventions can be protected within the existing system of intellectual property rights. It analyses the Slovenian Industrial Property Act and the Copyright Act, and further European Union patent legislation - European Patent Convention. Findings of this paper show that artificial intelligence can invent but cannot act as an inventor, although the Slovenian Industrial Property Act does not explicitly define an inventor as a natural person and may therefore leave the door open for non-human entities. This study contributes to broader debates on how small jurisdictions such as Slovenia face the challenges posed by artificial intelligence-driven innovation.

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Publication Details

Journal
DiRROS repository (University of Maribor)
Published
2026-02-03
Primary Topic
Law, AI, and Intellectual Property
Type
article
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Can artificial intelligence invent in Slovenia?

Ana Hafner
DiRROS repository (University of Maribor)
Law, AI, and Intellectual Property
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Can artificial intelligence invent in Slovenia?

Ana Hafner
article en

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has sparked global debate on whether non-human systems can be recognised as inventors under patent law. This paper examines the Slovenian legal framework to determine if AIgenerated inventions can be protected within the existing system of intellectual property rights. It analyses the Slovenian Industrial Property Act and the Copyright Act, and further European Union patent legislation - European Patent Convention. Findings of this paper show that artificial intelligence can invent but cannot act as an inventor, although the Slovenian Industrial Property Act does not explicitly define an inventor as a natural person and may therefore leave the door open for non-human entities. This study contributes to broader debates on how small jurisdictions such as Slovenia face the challenges posed by artificial intelligence-driven innovation.

DiRROS repository (University of Maribor)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Law, AI, and Intellectual Property
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