USPTO's AI Pilot Program: Speeding Up Patent Searches

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is launching an Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot (ASAP!) program. It's designed to speed up the patent application process.

The goal is to improve examination quality and efficiency. The program uses an internal AI tool to conduct pre-examination prior art searches.

USPTO Director John A. Squires emphasized his commitment to using AI in the patent process. He mentioned the ASAP! program as the first of many AI pilots.

These efforts aim to help both examiners and applicants. The focus is on ensuring patents are strong from the start.

The pilot program will provide applicants with a list of potential prior art issues. This “top ten list” is intended to bring up items that need attention.

The AI-Assisted Search Results Notice (ASRN) gives applicants an early opportunity to assess their claims. This happens before the substantive examination.

The automated search uses an internal AI system. This system extracts contextual information from the application's classification, specification, claims, and abstract.

The USPTO will analyze the pilot results to evaluate pre-examination searches. They will also check the ASRN's scalability and gather data for future steps.

Applicants wanting to participate in ASAP! need to file a specific petition. A petition fee is also required to join the program.

More information can be found in the Federal Register Notice. Regular updates from the USPTO can also be found by subscribing through the Subscription Center.