The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a new image search tool, Design Vision, to assist examiners in conducting prior art searches during the design patent examination process. The tool is part of the USPTO’s broader effort to modernize its patent examination systems through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Design Vision is an AI-powered image search tool developed to enhance the examination of design patent applications. The tool allows examiners to use images as queries to locate similar designs across a wide range of databases. This includes over 80 intellectual property registers worldwide, such as those maintained by:
Rather than relying solely on text-based queries or classification codes, Design Vision enables searches based on visual similarity. Examiners can upload up to seven images, apply custom filters, and adjust the weighting of visual elements to refine results.
The USPTO has implemented procedures to record the use of Design Vision in the official record of a patent application. This includes noting when the tool was used and summarizing key aspects of the search, such as the number of images uploaded and any filters applied. However, to preserve confidentiality under 35 U.S.C. § 122, the actual images uploaded as search queries will not be included in the public record.
These procedures align with the existing guidance outlined in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) and aim to ensure transparency in the use of AI-assisted tools during the examination process.
At this time, Design Vision is available exclusively to design patent examiners. The USPTO has indicated that it may consider extending the tool to other types of examination, such as utility patents, at its discretion.
The introduction of Design Vision reflects the USPTO’s continued investment in modernizing the patent examination process and its interest in exploring the use of AI to support examination quality and efficiency.