What Is It?
The pilot program uses an internal AI tool to conduct searches before human examination, providing applicants with early insights into potential prior art. When accepted into the program, applicants receive an Automated Search Results Notice (ASRN) highlighting up to 10 relevant documents that might affect their patent’s viability.
How It Works
The AI tool analyzes the application’s classification, specification, claims, and abstract to search databases including U.S. Patents, U.S. Pre-Grant Publications, and foreign patent collections. The system ranks documents by relevance while maintaining confidentiality and avoiding potential biases by excluding applicant and inventor information from its training data.
Eligibility Requirements
The program accepts original, noncontinuing, nonprovisional utility applications filed electronically between October 20, 2025, and April 20, 2026. The USPTO plans to accept at least 1,600 applications across Technology Centers. Applicants must file Form PTO/SB/470 with the required fee and enroll in the Patent Center Electronic Office Action Program.
Strategic Advantages
While applicants aren’t required to respond to the ASRN, they can use these early insights to file preliminary amendments, request examination deferral, or abandon the application for a partial fee refund. This early visibility allows companies to make informed decisions before investing heavily in prosecution.
Looking Ahead: A Global Impact
The Automated Search Pilot Program represents more than a USPTO innovation—it signals a potential shift in patent examination worldwide. If successful in demonstrating improved efficiency and quality, automated search methodologies could be adopted broadly across many jurisdictions. Patent offices globally facing examination backlogs and quality concerns may adapt this AI-driven approach, creating a more standardized and efficient international patent examination landscape. As the program unfolds, the global IP community will be watching closely to see how automated search technology could reshape patent examination across all borders.
