The USPTO actively engages with various agencies, both domestically and internationally, on AI and emerging technology issues.
National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office
The National AI Initiative Office is charged with overseeing and implementing the United States national AI strategy and will serve as the central hub for Federal coordination and collaboration in AI research and policymaking across the government, as well as with private sector, academia, and other stakeholders
Federal government engagements
U.S. Copyright Office, Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The U.S. Copyright Office promotes creativity and free expression by administering the nation’s copyright laws and by providing impartial, expert advice on copyright law and policy for the benefit of all. The Copyright Office launched an initiative to examine the copyright law and policy issues raised by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the scope of copyright in works generated using AI tools and the use of copyrighted materials in AI training.
Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS)
Charged with convening expert representatives from the public and private sectors to recommend improvements to administrative process and procedure. The Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference is exploring the growing role that AI, such as machine learning and related techniques, is playing in federal agency adjudication, rulemaking, and other regulatory activities.
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
The NSTC is the principal means within the Executive Branch to coordinate science and technology (S&T) policy across the diverse entities that make up the Federal research and development enterprise. The Machine Learning and AI (MLAI) Subcommittee, which is organized under the Technology subcommittee oversees AI coordination among federal agencies. The USPTO actively participates in the MLAI to ensure intellectual property equities are accounted for during interagency discussions.
Networking and Information and Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program, Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Interagency Working Group (AI R&D IWG)
Coordinates federal AI R&D across 32 participating agencies and supports activities tasked by both the NSTC Select Committee on AI and the Subcommittee on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (MLAI). AI R&D IWG gathers information from AI experts to ensure that government investment in AI R&D results in innovative applications to address the nation’s challenges, advantage its opportunities, and promote U.S. leadership and global competitiveness.
Collaborations with foreign IP offices
IP5 New Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Task Force (IP5 NET/AI TF)
Coordinates IP5 initiatives and is developing a roadmap for possible joint projects in these areas among the IP5 member offices.
US-UK Artificial Intelligence R&D Collaboration
A working group comprised of representatives from agencies within the United States and the United Kingdom. The goal of this group is to oversee the initial implementation of the signed agreement between the U.S. and the UK, including identifying and defining specific topic areas for R&D collaboration.
News and Reports
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) was an independent commission stood up by Congress to make recommendations to the President and Congress to “advance the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and associated technologies to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States.” NSCAI issued its final report in March 2021, presenting NSCAI’s strategy for winning the artificial intelligence era. The Main Report provides topline conclusions and recommendations. The accompanying Blueprints for Action outline more detailed steps that the U.S. Government should take to implement the recommendations.