The patent landscape just got a major update. The USPTO announced the Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot (ASAP!) Program today, using an internal AI tool to transform pre-examination prior art searches and enhance examination quality, speed, and efficiency.

What This Means for Innovators

Under the leadership of John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, the agency is fully "leaning-in" to AI. As Director Squires stated: "I promised to 'lean-in' to AI. Our ASAP! announcement is the first of many AI pilots to ensure patents are born strong. Quality starts at filing—our examiners have developed tools to re-imagine workflows and improve quality for applicants. ASAP! fosters common ground. This is us leaning-in. Watch this space."

Here's the Core of the ASAP! Program

  • Uses the USPTO's internal AI tool for pre-examination prior art searches
  • Delivers an AI-Assisted Search Results Notice (ASRN) with a "top ten" list of potential prior art issues
  • Gives applicants early visibility into examination hurdles before substantive review
  • Enables strategic decisions to strengthen applications early

Your Strategic Options

With the ASRN, applicants can:

  • File preliminary amendments to address issues
  • Prepare affidavit evidence and USPTO notices
  • Request examination deferral
  • Petition for express abandonment and fee refunds if not proceeding

The Technology Behind It

The USPTO's AI system uses contextual info from the application's CPC classification, specification, claims, and abstract. It leverages AI to identify relevant prior art early, beyond basic searches.

Why This Matters

This pilot promotes "patents born strong"—robust applications with fewer office actions, faster grants, and better defensibility. It streamlines workflows by surfacing prior art upfront.

The Process

To participate, file a specific petition with a fee. The USPTO will analyze results to assess search outcomes, ASRN scalability, and inform future pilots.

Looking Ahead

Director Squires signals more AI pilots ahead, accelerating AI integration in patent examination and reshaping filing, strategy, and innovation protection.

Stay tuned for deeper dives into ASAP!'s impact on prosecution strategies, claim drafting, and AI's role in patent practice in future posts.

Companies: Leverage this pilot to fortify your IP portfolio from day one.

Patent pros: How will you guide clients on ASAP! participation?