AI Patent Search Tool

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is undertaking preliminary market engagement in relation to a potential future procurement for an AI-assisted patent search solution. The IPO is seeking to understand the capabilities available within the market to support patent examiners in identifying potentially relevant prior art documents from publicly available patent and technical information sources. The requirement is intended to explore solutions capable of using semantic, conceptual, AI-assisted or other advanced search techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of patent searching, whilst maintaining examiner oversight and decision-making. The engagement will seek supplier feedback on available technologies, service models, security approaches, commercial models, routes to market and procurement considerations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the handling of confidential patent application information and the protection of customer data within AI-enabled solutions. This engagement is for information-gathering purposes only and does not form part of any formal procurement process. Any future procurement opportunity will be advertised separately.