 "Clever design, protected intelligently: How AI tools are shaping India’s patent and IP decisions")
The world of intellectual property is a complex one, and the need for accuracy and compliance to guidelines and timelines cannot be emphasized enough. Ensuring quality patent applications requires proper strategy, and subject matter experts, and is a time-consuming process that is prone to error.
This is where artificial intelligence can make a monumental difference. With AI, IP workflows within innovation-driven companies can become more streamlined and accurate. Make no mistake — AI is a game changer for Indian innovators in more ways than one can imagine.
Background and state of IP ecosystem in India
Protecting new innovations has traditionally involved creating complex search strategies for searching through existing patents to ensure that the filed application is a unique one.
As can be imagined, this is a time-consuming process with a high margin for error, given that one can easily miss out on relevant information amidst the sheer vastness of patent data.
To avoid this, companies rely on experts to assist with the prior art searching, drafting, and eventual filing of the patent. This has historically made it difficult for smaller companies in India to apply for the patents they need.
Over the years, however, the IP ecosystem in India has made several key strides. The Indian Patent Office has established a transparent, user-friendly electronic system where patent applications can be filed and tracked in real-time.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMoreover, to promote more IP use among small businesses, IPO implemented a “small entity” category of users in 2014, whereby SMEs of both domestic and international origin enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the patent fee.
In addition, the Indian Patent Office became an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority (ISA/IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in October 2013. This means that Indian companies will now get access to top-quality patent search reports based on both local and global databases, at highly affordable rates.
The role of AI tools in shaping IP decisions
The increasing popularity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at each stage of IP workflow is poised to trigger significant transformations. The ability of AI to analyse large datasets and extract the most relevant and accurate conclusions makes it a game-changer in the world of IP.
Everyone can benefit from applying AI to the IP workflow, from small firms to large patent offices to legal compliance teams. Some of the capabilities of AI are:
Accurate search and analysis: Traditional patent searches are laborious and require manual sifting through vast databases. AI-powered tools streamline this process, capturing intricate details that might escape human attention. Beyond mere keyword matching, AI employs semantic search to grasp the underlying concepts and relationships within patents offering better results in the technological landscape compared to traditional methods.
Accurate filing: Even a single error on a patent application could cause it to get rejected. An AI-powered platform can check a patent application for errors and help make it compliant with requirements imposed by the patent office.
Efficient Drafting: Generative AI acts as a powerful assistant, drafting patent applications based on user prompts and relevant legal frameworks. This frees up patent attorneys to focus on the nuances of the invention and refine the generated draft for maximum effectiveness.
Optimized Portfolio Management: AI tools become indispensable assets for IP managers. They can identify underutilized patents within a portfolio, automatically monitor expiration dates to prevent accidental lapses, and even evaluate the strength of individual patents relative to the market. This frees up valuable time for IP managers to focus on higher-level strategic assessments and portfolio optimization.
Global Reach: AI translation tools break down language barriers, allowing users to access and analyze patent filings from around the world. This empowers companies to identify potential competitors and emerging technologies in international markets, fostering a more informed global IP strategy.
Enhanced Data Quality: AI-based text analysis tools can clean and standardize patent data. This ensures researchers are working with accurate and reliable information, minimizing the risk of errors or misleading conclusions during the decision-making process.
The future of AI in the Indian IP ecosystem
The Indian IP ecosystem is undergoing a transformation fueled by AI. With an increasing rate of international patent filings, Indian companies must compete both locally and globally, and therefore strong IP practices are crucial. AI is steadily making inroads within the IP ecosystem in India and is transforming the way IP is researched, drafted, and protected.
The Indian Patent Office (IPO) is evaluating AI for various examination workflows to handle the surge in applications. AI-powered tools have the potential to cater to India’s diverse IP market, offering functionalities like patent research, analytics, technology and competitor monitoring, and IP collaboration.
Furthermore, AI automates repetitive tasks, freeing up IP teams to focus on strategic planning and guidance. AI’s ability to identify hidden patterns in data enhances overall IP operations. As data becomes central to IP strategy decisions, AI is becoming an inseparable part of India’s future IP intelligence landscape.
What innovators need to navigate India’s patent system
What innovators need in such a scenario, is an established player in IP search and analysis, who knows how to leverage the power that AI brings to IPs.
The need of the hour is to have platforms that are able to integrate a superior LLM-driven contextual AI with the current patent search system. PatSeer, for example, provides a host of AI-driven tools that allow you to conduct worldwide patent searches with confidence.
Needless to say, AI-driven patent search tools streamline the process, enhancing search precision and comprehensiveness. Machine learning algorithms can predict patentability, guiding inventors in crafting robust applications.
Additionally, automated patent drafting tools use AI to generate high-quality patent applications, reducing time and costs while ensuring legal compliance.
Moreover, AI-powered analytics provide insights into patent landscapes, empowering businesses to make informed decisions regarding R&D investments and intellectual property strategies.
AI augments patent processes, accelerating innovation and fostering a more dynamic and inclusive environment for inventors and businesses alike.
The author is the founder & chief technology officer at PatSeer and has more than 15+ years of experience in IP software. Views expressed are the author’s own.
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