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USPTO's AI Pilot Program: Faster Patent Searches with Artificial Intelligence
Source: uspto.gov
Published on October 9, 2025
Updated on October 9, 2025
USPTO Launches AI Pilot Program for Faster Patent Searches
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has introduced ASAP!, an AI-driven pilot program aimed at revolutionizing the patent search process. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the speed and accuracy of patent examinations, marking a significant step forward in the integration of AI within the patent system.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, John A. Squires, highlighted the importance of AI in strengthening patent processes. He emphasized that the ASAP! program is the first of many steps toward incorporating AI to streamline workflows and boost overall productivity for both the agency and applicants.
How the AI Pilot Program Works
The ASAP! program provides applicants with an AI-Assisted Search Results Notice (ASRN), which lists the top ten potential prior art issues. This early notification allows applicants to refine their claims before the formal examination process begins, ensuring a smoother and more efficient patent evaluation.
The USPTO's internal AI system analyzes the application's classification, specifications, claims, and abstract to identify relevant information. This process helps applicants understand potential actions needed to address prior art concerns, ultimately improving the quality of patent applications.
Program Goals and Participation Details
The primary goal of the ASAP! program is to evaluate the effectiveness of AI-assisted pre-examination searches and determine the scalability of generating the ASRN. Data collected during the pilot will inform future developments and related initiatives within the USPTO.
Applicants interested in participating in the ASAP! program must file a specific petition and pay a fee. The USPTO will use the pilot results to assess the outcomes of pre-examination searches and refine its approach to AI integration in the patent process.
Impact on the Patent System
The ASAP! program represents a pivotal shift in how patents are examined, with AI playing a central role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy. By providing early insights into potential issues, the program aims to reduce the time and resources required for patent evaluations, benefiting both applicants and examiners.
As the USPTO continues to explore AI applications, the ASAP! program serves as a foundation for future innovations. The insights gained from this pilot will shape the agency's strategy for integrating AI into other aspects of the patent process, ensuring that the USPTO remains at the forefront of technological advancements.