USPTO Announces New Effort To Promote AI And Emerging Technologies

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced an official Artificial Intelligence Strategy that outlines how the Office plans to address the promise and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in its internal operations as well as in the development of intellectual property (IP) policy. According to information provided in the newly released document, annual filings of AI-related patent applications have increased more than two-fold since 2002 and are up 33% since 2018. Additionally, AI has permeated a wide range of technology sectors with AI-related patent applications appearing in 60% of all the technology subclasses used by the USPTO in 2023.

The initiative outlined in the AI Strategy document seeks to support responsible and inclusive AI innovation, implement AI in furtherance of the USPTO's mission, and maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge in global innovation. At the same time, USPTO officials say the new AI Strategy mitigates risks and