Patent protection in era of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 introduces the concept of a “smart factory”, in which cyber-physical systems monitor the physical processes of the factory and make decentralized decisions, thereby upgrading manufacturing capabilities and improving business models.

Smart factories may be more adaptable and resource-efficient than traditional ones because the former can automatically collect information, such as information from customers or suppliers, and on environmental conditions, and can optimize production lines.

These elements must be present in order to be considered a smart factory: (1) a fast, secure network system; (2) standardized data formats; (3) embedded digital product memories for mass customization; (4) smart sensors for capturing context information; (5) communication between machines and products through the factory’s internet system; and (6) decentralized item-level production control.

Ivy Chin is a counselor at Lee and Li Attorneys-at-Law in Taipei