Research pillar · Alpha to Patent
IP in a World of Abundant Intelligence
When intelligence and software become cheaper, durable advantage moves toward scarce context, rights, evidence, access, integration, and operating discipline.
The question
Which parts of an advantage remain scarce when capable models and competent software are widely available?
Active · since 2026 · Alpha to Patent
Run the compression test
Assume a strong team can reproduce the obvious software quickly. Remove what AI makes cheap, then inspect what is left.
Track scarcity migration
Scarcity can move from code to proprietary evidence, distribution, workflow position, regulatory permission, trusted relationships, physical access, or the right to act.
Score resilience
An advantage is more resilient when better general models make it more useful rather than easier to replace. Test that claim against a named competitor and a defined time horizon.
Do not patent abundance
Broad access to a model, a prompt, or a familiar workflow is weak ground by itself. The stronger question is what unusual combination turns a common input into a result others cannot readily deliver.
Watch the cost curve
A protection decision should be revisited as inference, integration, development, and switching costs change. A moat can expire without a legal event.
Put this to work
AI compression test
Use the question “Which parts of an advantage remain scarce when capable models and competent software are widely available?” on a real case and produce a record another person can challenge.
- For
- Founders, product owners, inventors, and counsel preparing an initial rights discussion.
- What you keep
- A ai compression test you can review, revise, and send.
- What counts as sound
- Separates customer value from product features
- Names the evidence for scarcity
- Tests design-arounds
- Explains what each proposed right would do
- Ends with a dated decision
This is a research screen, not legal advice or a patentability opinion.
Nothing entered here is stored or sent. Review the prompt before sharing confidential, personal, patient, or privileged information.
Review the prompt
You can leave any field blank. The prompt will mark it as not provided.
If the record survives your review, send the question, evidence, unknowns, and requested next step.
Notes under this pillar
Design Patterns
- AI compression test
Assume capable AI makes ordinary reasoning and software cheap, then identify what remains scarce.
September 2026
