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  • USPTO

USPTO Launches Automated Search Pilot Program — SLW Insights

  • October 29th, 2025
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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the Automated Search Pilot Program (ASAP!), launching October 20, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in the agency’s adoption of AI tools to improve patent examination efficiency and transparency.

Under the pilot, the USPTO’s new AI system will conduct an automated prior-art search before substantive examination begins. Participating applicants will receive an Automated Search Results Notice (ASRN) identifying up to ten potentially relevant prior-art references based on the application’s claims, abstract, and specification.

Key Details

  • Timeline: The pilot runs from October 20, 2025 through April 20, 2026 (or until the USPTO reaches its participation limit of roughly 1,600 applications).
  • Eligibility: Original, noncontinuing, nonprovisional utility applications filed under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a). Continuations, divisionals, CIPs, PCT entries, and design or plant applications are not eligible.
  • Petition Required: Applicants must submit Form PTO/SB/470 (“Petition to Participate in the Automated Search Pilot Program”) and pay the corresponding fee at the time of filing.
  • Format Requirements: Filings must be made via Patent Center in DOCX format, and participants must be enrolled in the e-Office Action program.
  • Outcome: The ASRN will be placed in the official file but does not constitute an Office Action and does not require a response.

Why This Matters

This pilot reflects a broader modernization effort at the USPTO and may offer early insight into how AI will shape future patent examination workflows. For applicants, early access to AI-generated search results could provide:

  • A preview of possible prior-art issues before examination;
  • An opportunity to refine claim strategy early; and
  • Potential cost and time efficiencies during prosecution.

SLW’s Perspective

At SLW, we view this pilot as a solid next step in the evolution of AI-assisted patent examination. Our attorneys are closely monitoring the program’s rollout and assessing how participation may benefit clients in technology-dense sectors.

For clients considering participation, SLW can advise on:

  • Eligibility assessment and petition preparation;
  • Strategic use of ASRN results to strengthen prosecution; and
  • Integration of early prior-art insights into broader portfolio strategy.

Contact Us:
For guidance on whether participation in the USPTO Automated Search Pilot Program aligns with your filing strategy, please contact your SLW attorney or reach out via our contact form.