The era of quantum mechanics may have dawned over a century ago with giants like Einstein, Bohr, and Heisenberg pulling at the very first theoretical threads, but we are now in a world where harnessing the quantum effects that seemed so outlandish then is not only possible but has the potential to revolutionise the technological landscape, particularly through quantum computing. So, in honour of World Quantum Day, we thought we’d take a look at a snapshot of where the field is now, and especially in relation to the vast latent IP waiting to be tapped!
Historically, the ‘bits’ we’ve used for classical computing have consisted of cleverly manipulating lots of switches between 0 (off) and 1 (on) to enact logical operations – everything from simple addition to quite literally rocket science. The crux of the quantum model, however, is both that we are able to imbue the manifestations of our quantum bits – known as ‘qubits’ – with 0, 1, and other values at the same time, based on the probabilities of certain events occurring in our physical system. This is called ‘superposition’, just like in Schrödinger’s Cat, but now the cat can be dead, alive, or (let’s say) reincarnated as whatever else we choose to associate with that state!
We’re also able to couple qubits together (in a process called ‘entanglement’) which allows us to transmit information much more efficiently than a classical computer, among many other things. The speed and power of quantum computing therefore comes from finding ingenious ways of exploiting such entanglements and superpositions to do computations – all before the system decays out of its precise entangled or superposed state – and is the subject of a huge amount of current research and development, lately seeing success after success.
As far as IP is concerned, there are so many potentially seismic innovations that the drive from inventors and companies to protect them is incredibly important. The specialised equipment required for putting such quantum systems into practice is innovative in itself in many ways – that could be systems for qubit storage or transfer, error correction, algorithms; the list goes on.
At Dehns, we’re incredibly well-placed to support and advise on such innovation, with a dedicated team with expertise spanning right through from the cutting-edge science on a technical level to a wealth of practical legal experience drafting, prosecuting, and advising clients in and around the quantum field for many years.
Being experienced in matters both in the UK and Europe also puts Dehns in a great place to support growing innovators in a space as international as this. For example, the French quantum scene appears to be thriving (see Quantum computing: A tech race Europe could win? – BBC News) and beginning to look at competitors and opportunities abroad.
Dehns Partner, Dr Mark Bell drafted the original patent applications that underpin the technology of Oxford Quantum Circuits (mentioned in the article). We are also watching with interest as Oxford is moving towards a new world-leading quantum computer centre, which will present fascinating developments once it’s up and running. (See here for more details: Plan for Exeter College’s ‘world-leading’ computing centre filed – BBC News.) Our Oxford office is ideally placed for us to work very closely with quantum computing businesses in this thriving area.
We’re fascinated to see (and play a part in) how the quantum world continues to unfold in the coming months and years – but for now, happy World Quantum Day!