US patent office unveils comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for 2025
The USPTO releases strategy focused on fostering AI innovation, leveraging technology responsibly, and empowering future development.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published its first artificial intelligence strategy today, January 16, 2025, outlining an ambitious framework to advance innovation while ensuring responsible development of AI technologies.
According to the strategy document, the USPTO aims to promote AI development through five key focus areas: advancing IP policies, building AI capabilities, promoting responsible use, developing workforce expertise, and fostering collaborations.
"The USPTO is committed to advancing a positive future for AI—one that maximizes AI's benefits broadly across society, manages the risks through technical mitigations and human governance, and empowers all individuals and organizations to participate in AI innovation," states Acting Under Secretary Derrick Brent in the strategy's foreword.
The strategy emerges at a critical time for AI innovation. According to USPTO data, annual filings of AI-related patent applications have increased more than two-fold since 2002 and are up 33% since 2018 alone. These applications now appear in 60% of all USPTO technology subclasses.
To address this growth, the strategy outlines specific initiatives. The USPTO will enhance its AI infrastructure, develop specialized training programs, and establish partnerships with international IP offices. According to the document, nearly 80% of USPTO patent examiners had already used AI-powered features across over 480,000 cases by June 2024.
The strategy emphasizes responsible AI development aligned with Executive Order 14110 on Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI. Between January and May 2024, USPTO employees attended approximately 19 live presentations on AI technologies, with an average attendance exceeding 400 employees per session.
International collaboration forms a key component of the strategy. The USPTO has engaged in consultations with partner IP offices worldwide and participated in forums like the G7 and IP5. In September 2024, the office convened an International Dialogue on AI and IP with G7 member states and the European Patent Office.
The strategy addresses emerging challenges at the intersection of AI and intellectual property rights. According to the document, the USPTO will monitor developments in AI-generated content, AI-assisted inventions, and implications for patent and trademark examination.
To support implementation, the USPTO established an AI resource portal and launched the AI and Emerging Technologies Premier Lecture Series. The inaugural lecture in October 2024 drew over 4,100 employees from USPTO and other Department of Commerce bureaus.
The AI/ET Partnership program, formed in 2022, has facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement. As of May 2024, over 4,000 participants had attended partnership events across Alexandria, Dallas, San Jose, Los Angeles, and online platforms.
The strategy builds upon earlier USPTO initiatives, including guidance issued in February 2024 on AI-assisted inventions and patent examination procedures. These efforts aim to maintain an effective and predictable IP ecosystem while fostering continued AI innovation.
Looking ahead, the USPTO plans to periodically revise the strategy based on stakeholder feedback and technological developments. The office will continue monitoring emerging AI capabilities and their implications for intellectual property protection.