The USPTO actively engages with various agencies, both domestically and internationally, on AI and emerging technology issues.
National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The National AI Initiative is a coordinated program across the entire Federal government to accelerate AI research and application for the Nation’s economic prosperity and national security. The main purposes of the initiative are to ensure continued US leadership in AI R&D; lead the world in the development and use of trustworthy AI systems in public and private sectors; prepare the present and future US workforce for the integration of artificial intelligence systems across all sectors of the economy and society; and coordinate ongoing AI activities across all Federal agencies, to ensure that each informs the work of the others.
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), Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee (MLAI)
The interagency group 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.
National Security Commission on AI (NSCAI)
An independent commission stood up by Congress until October 1, 2021, NSCAI was tasked with considering “the methods and means necessary to advance the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and associated technologies by the United States to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States." View the final report and other resources here.
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.