US Patent Office Proposes AI-Driven Solution for Scanning Prior Art • The Register

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is considering integrating AI to expedite patent processing. They aim to utilize AI tools to analyze existing patents and non-patent literature, determining potential conflicts with new applications. This initiative is meant to enhance efficiency and consistency in patent examinations. However, the USPTO has indicated that participating vendors should expect to be compensated in “exposure” rather than monetary payment, aiming to attract commercial AI providers willing to contribute without financial compensation. This raises concerns, especially given that AI’s past performance in legal contexts has occasionally led to errors. The agency seeks proposals by June 24 and emphasizes the necessity for vendors to provide the required infrastructure securely within the USPTO’s cloud environment. While they aim to implement these AI capabilities swiftly, specific timelines remain unclear.

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