Can Google's patented ML algorithms be used commercially?

Question

I just find that Google patents some of the widely used machine learning algorithms. For example:

• System and method for addressing overfitting in a neural network (Dropout?)
• Processing images using deep neural networks
• Methods and apparatus for reinforcement learning (Q-Learning?)

Does that mean I can't use those algorithms commercially?

Answer 1

Can you use them commercially?

Yes.

Is Google able to sue you any time they want?

Yes.

Will they do that...

Probably not.

Google isn't a known patent bully, I would give them the benefit of the doubt in this kind of situation and say, unless you start really giving them real trouble, they wouldn't do anything. Some companies/people know an idea can really be used for good and patent it to protect its use not to inhibit its use. By patenting the idea and setting a precedent of not suing they are effectively allowing everyone to benefit. Maybe in the future Google cloud, Azure and Amazon web services will lose some money in a legal battle, but I doubt you personally will be hit with a lawsuit.