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USPTO ASAP! – AI Patent Search Automated Pilot Program (2025–2026)
The USPTO extended its ASAP! AI patent search pilot program to June 1, 2026, seeking more participants to evaluate whether sharing automated prior art search results before examination improves prosecution outcomes. If successful, the program could reshape pre-examination practice and become a permanent fixture of the US patent system.
Importance: 70%Confidence: 92%Mentions: 1Updated: June 3, 2026
## Overview
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced an extension of its Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot Program ('ASAP!') until June 1, 2026, to gather additional data and evaluate the program's effectiveness (IPWatchdog, April 2026). The pilot was first announced in October 2025.
## Program Mechanics
ASAP! is designed to 'evaluate the impact of sharing the results of an automated search prior to examination of an application' (IPWatchdog, April 2026). Under the pilot:
- Automated AI-generated prior art searches are conducted and shared with applicants before a human examiner reviews the application
- The goal is to assess whether pre-examination AI search results affect prosecution efficiency, examiner workload, or application quality
- The USPTO is seeking additional participants to expand its data set before the June 2026 deadline
## Strategic Significance
**For patent applicants and prosecutors:**
- Early access to AI-generated prior art searches could allow applicants to proactively amend claims or prepare arguments before office actions, potentially shortening prosecution timelines
- It may also reveal prior art that affects filing strategy and claim scope decisions
**For the patent system broadly:**
- If effective, ASAP! could become the basis for a permanent pre-examination AI search requirement or service, fundamentally altering prosecution dynamics
- The pilot reflects USPTO's broader effort to integrate AI into examination workflows amid a growing application backlog
**For IP boutiques and in-house counsel:**
- Firms advising on prosecution strategy should monitor whether ASAP! participation affects examiner behavior or institution rates at PTAB
- The pilot intersects with existing concerns about AI-generated prior art and its treatment under 35 U.S.C. § 102/103
## Timeline
- **October 2025**: ASAP! pilot first announced
- **April 2026**: Deadline extended to June 1, 2026; additional participants sought
- **Post-June 2026**: Evaluation results expected; potential permanent program decision
## Related USPTO Developments
- IPR Institution Rate Decline – PTAB (2024–2026) (existing page)
- Patent Reexamination Procedural End-Run – USPTO Post-Grant Vulnerability (existing page)