AI tech advances key to solve overload of patent cases

Kathy, 3-23-2022, "AI proves effective at improving patent office efficiency and application timeliness," CAS, 

AI-enabled search solutions can play an important role across the entire patent ecosystem in improving both efficiency and patent quality. They can support faster examinations within patent offices and can allow innovators to identify prior art earlier, avoiding the time and cost of prosecution or validity challenges for bad patents. This is why the AI prior art algorithms were added to the  and STNext® solutions for improving scientific and IP searches.

New approaches support sustainability

Application delays and inefficiencies are being resolved through measures that ensure the long-term operational sustainability of patent offices. The  (EPO) has sustainability objectives for an engaged staff, digital transformation, an effective patent granting process, and high-impact international cooperation. Other offices are setting similar priorities for enhancing organizational effectiveness.

To provide faster, higher quality examinations, offices are hiring more patent examiners, deploying time-saving technologies such as AI, and transforming their workflows:

The  hired hundreds of examiners in 2021 to handle growing workloads in keeping with  for optimizing patent quality and timeliness. It also is expanding the implementation of AI for patent classifications and searches to give examiners easier access to prior art.

In anticipation of double-digit application growth in 2021, the  doubled its examiner headcount in the previous year. Its 5-year program to streamline and modernize processes aims to achieve efficiencies of at least 3.5% of core operating costs. It also is evaluating how to make the best use of AI as it invests more in service delivery.

The , in a key initiative called “Master the Prior Art,” is improving classification procedures to increase search accuracy and retrieve relevant documents earlier in examinations. It is systematically applying artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies to create a more efficient end-to-end, digital patent granting process.

AI-enabled solutions can be used by patent offices for many functions beyond prior art searches. These include classifications assignment and conversion, APIs for more efficient document delivery, online tools for reviews and analysis, and more. By enhancing efficiency, patent quality, and customer service, these solutions can create a multiplier effect for helping offices achieve strategic objectives for operational sustainability and global innovation.