Transformation of IP Offices through responsible use of AI by James Nurton

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming ubiquitous throughout business and society. We are starting to use AI tools in all aspects of our daily lives, from writing messages and internet searching to shopping, travelling and studying.

Even though they are at the very early stages of development, it is clear that AI tools – including generative AI, natural language processing and deep learning – have the potential to transform fields such as healthcare, energy and transport. Studies have indicated that AI could double annual global economic growth rates and lead to a 14% increase in global GDP by 2030, according to a European Parliamentary Research Service briefing.

But the use of AI tools (or frontier technologies) also raises very real concerns about safety, security and fairness. This has led to initiatives to provide guidance and regulate the use of AI. Recent examples of such efforts include the EU AI Act and the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet following the Paris Summit in February 2025.

When it comes to IP procedures and processes, AI potentially offers enormous benefits provided it is used carefully and correctly and does not replace human expertise. Use cases should therefore be thoroughly researched, tested and continuously monitored as they are developed and launched.

IP offices embrace AI

IP offices throughout the world are exploring the use of AI to increase efficiency, improve predictability and maintain fairness in patent, trade mark, design and other procedures.

The fifth session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Conversation on IP and Frontier Technologies, in April 2022, focused on frontier technologies in IP administration and registration. More than 900 attendees from 117 countries discussed questions including: how frontier technologies play a role in the IP office; how frontier technologies could make IP more accessible for everyone; challenges faced by IP offices in the Global South; digital transformation in IP offices; and frameworks for the use of frontier technologies.

WIPO also maintains an index of AI initiatives in IP offices. This currently provides examples of how more than 25 offices are developing applications for services such as searching, classification, data analysis, helpdesk services, translation and process automation.

When it comes to developing AI tools, IP offices have a number of advantages. These include large libraries of structured data, established IT systems used for online filing and a diverse range of experienced users who can provide feedback.

AI at the EUIPO

At the EUIPO, the importance of AI and automation has been recognised for some time. It was one of the reasons why the EUIPO has been named by World Trademark Review as the most innovative IP office in the world five times, including in 2024.

The EUIPO has developed various AI tools over the past decade. For example, AI-enabled image searches for designs and trade marks were introduced in 2019. In 2023, image search in TMview was extended to all the non-EU TM5 offices, meaning users can compare over 57 million figurative trade marks and trade mark applications within seconds.

The Office’s Strategic Plan 2030 created the EUIPO AI Governance and the role of AI coordinator, reporting directly to the Executive Director, to explore the potential implementations of Artificial Intelligence at different levels. The EUIPO is exploring a number of AI tools, which are likely to improve processes both internally and for users over the next few years.

The strategy is based on a human-centric approach to introducing AI, aligned with the EU AI act, to ensure responsible use of AI by providing full explicability and transparency on its usage. EUIPO examiners will remain the ultimate responsible for taking decisions, with AI solutions serving them as valuable assistants.

Internally focused tools include an advanced case management system, which will group cases based on specific criteria and allocate them to examiners and teams and identify potential issues early. This will enhance efficiency and consistency.

AI tools will also be used to support aspects of the examination process – such as comparison of goods and services, comparison of signs and translation – allowing examiners to focus on critical analysis. By leveraging historical data and contextual insights, AI can help in the early drafting of decisions on absolute and relative grounds, enabling examiners to focus on verification and validation.

Examiners will also be able to use AI-powered tools in aspects of inter partes proceedings, such as automated checks, data insights and improved communication. Users will see benefits in the form of faster and more coherent proceedings.

For users, AI-based pre-assessment and pre-filing tools will flag potential issues including conflicts and compliance with legal requirements and offer predictive analysis. These will speed up applications, cut out errors and improve predictability.

Finally, the absolute grounds examination process will be transformed with streamlined procedures and the reduction of administrative burdens, leading to greater consistency and accuracy.

Benefits and benchmarking

AI tools will benefit all stakeholders, including IP office staff, users and third parties who rely on accurate and timely information. Collaboration with stakeholders, including national office experts and user associations, is key to ensuring that these benefits are maximized and targeted.

In particular, it is important for IP offices to learn from each other. For example, the European Patent Office (EPO) recently launched a Legal Interactive Platform (LIP), a legal search tool available to all EPO users, and is also using AI in classification and pre-search. Its experiences are likely to be valuable for other IP offices around the world.

AI and automation tools can transform IP processes but will only be effective when combined with human oversight, with final decisions taken by highly skilled and well-trained experts. This is vital in ensuring that credibility, accountability and transparency are maintained as AI adoption increases.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/transformation-of-ip-offices-through-responsible-use-of-ai-by-james-nurton