In 2021, the USPTO began testing a new artificial intelligence (AI), tool that could make searching the database of patent applications simpler. As it turned out, this prototype had great success and has now launched into a fully accessible tool that anyone can leverage on the USPTO website. Known as the “Similarity Search,” this AI-based tool allows users to see searches of the prior art.

The feature was added to the USPTO search option to increase the chances that relevant prior art is located in an efficient manner by patent examiners and as early in prosecution as possible. 

With this crucial addition, applicants can hopefully undergo shorter wait times from the start of substantive prosecution. Even more, the Similarity Search should allow for higher patent quality since the system will let examiners and applicants consider prior art in prosecution, that without this tool, may have never been realized.

Pretty cool, right? For all the details about this new feature, check out this article.