# Patents

# Patents and Publication

AIEP is being developed as both a protocol and an ecosystem.

Some inventions may be filed as patents, while the Hub, schemas, and open protocol materials are intended for open dissemination under Apache 2.0.

## Public vs restricted materials

This Hub publishes open materials for adoption:
- the protocol explanation
- machine discovery surfaces
- schemas and indexes
- public documentation downloads

Certain detailed implementation packs may be shared privately under NDA until filings are complete. Those packs are optional and do not restrict open protocol adoption.

## Governing law

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Hub agreements and NDA terms are governed by the laws of **England and Wales**.