The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched the Automated Search Pilot Program (ASAP!), a new initiative to provide applicants with an AI-generated list of potentially relevant prior art before substantive examination. This early insight gives applicants the chance to evaluate or adjust claims proactively, potentially reducing prosecution time and cost.

The pilot, which began Oct. 20, 2025, will run for six months or until 1,600 applications are accepted across all technology centers.

To participate in the pilot program, applications must be:

• Original, noncontinuing, nonprovisional utility applications
• Filed electronically through Patent Center
• Accompanied by a petition (Form PTO/SB/470) and the applicable petition fee

Recommendations

If you are considering filing a utility patent application in the coming months, we recommend consulting with counsel to determine whether participating in the ASAP! program makes strategic sense based on your goals and technology area.

If you have any questions regarding the ASAP! program, please contact your regular AT attorney or one of the listed authors.