USPTO Introduces AI-Powered Tool for Design Patent Examination

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has unveiled DesignVision, its first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image search tool designed specifically for design patent examiners. Integrated into the Patents End-to-End (PE2E) search suite, the USPTO sees this as a significant advancement in their ongoing mission to modernize and reduce the timeline for the examination process for application review.

The customized tool enables examiners to conduct sophisticated searches using images as query inputs. The tool searches across both U.S. and international industrial design databases and provides access to more than 80 global registries, including WIPO and EUIPO. Search results are returned based on image similarity and can be sorted accordingly, facilitating quicker and more accurate comparisons.

When an examiner uses the new tool to perform a search, both the query details and the resulting output will be recorded and made accessible to the applicant. This information will be documented in the application’s file wrapper, specifically within the search notes and the search history summary report.

The USPTO says it has taken steps to maintain the confidentiality of patent applications (as required by 35 U.S.C. § 122(a)) by implementing the National Institute of Standards and Technology controls, including a Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program-authorized cloud service.

While this development enhances the capabilities of examiners, it is intended to complement—rather than replace—existing resources. Examiners will continue to use other tools within the PE2E suite and consult non-patent literature as part of their examination workflow. While currently limited to design patent examiners, the USPTO may consider extending access to other groups—such as utility patent examiners—at its discretion in the future.

You can read the Acting Director’s full announcement here.

The attorneys at Renner Otto will continue to monitor this and other developments at the USPTO. We strive to be authorities in all matters concerning the ever-evolving landscape of Intellectual Property; however, the information provided on our website is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

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