New Position for External Experts Called AI Advisors to be Established to Support Patent Examiners in Accessing Expert Knowledge on AI-Related Technology

1. Background

As is pointed out in the Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2023, with the advent of AI such as ChatGPT that is easily accessible by the public, it is expected that AI will be utilized in creative processes in a wider range of fields to a greater degree than previously possible. To address this, the JPO inaugurated in January 2021 a Team Supporting AI Examinations consisting of experts on AI examination and management officials and enhanced the structure of the team on October 1, 2023, increasing the number of the experts on AI examination from 13 to 39.

These experts on AI examination have been collecting knowledge from the respective examination divisions, serving as a hub for examinations concerning AI-related inventions, providing consultation services to examiners outside the team, and thereby supporting examiners in achieving efficient and highest-quality examinations.

Meanwhile, as AI-related inventions have been making remarkable technological progress, it is important for examiners to appropriately ascertain the latest technological levels and technological trends involving AI-related inventions before conducting examinations.

2. Establishing a new position for AI advisors

On April 1, 2024, the JPO will establish a new position for external experts called AI advisors who will provide support (e.g., technological training and responses to inquiries) to patent examiners, including experts on AI examination under the enhanced system of the team, in accessing expert knowledge on AI-related technology.

This effort is expected to help patent examiners not only to ceaselessly improve their knowledge on AI-related technology but also to appropriately conduct examinations of AI-related inventions.

AI Advisors (April 1, 2024)

Dr. Aizawa Akiko	Vice Director-General/Professor, National Institute of Informatics (NII)
Dr. Harada Tatsuya	Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo
Dr. Funatsu Kimito	Director/Specially Appointed Professor, Data Science Center, Nara Institute of Science and Technology; Professor Emeritus, the University of Tokyo

Related Links

• Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2023
• Details of the Team Supporting AI Examinations

Division in Charge

Examination Standards Office, Administrative Affairs Division, Patent and Design Examination Department (Physics, Optics, Social Infrastructure and Design), Japan Patent Office