There’s a whirlwind of excitement surrounding generative AI, and the IP space is no
exception. At ClearstoneIP, we understand and share in the optimism – the ability to
analyze vast amounts of data and potentially revolutionize Freedom to Operate (FTO)
analysis will be an exciting development. Indeed, we are currently working on several
ground-breaking capabilities to powerfully leverage AI in all phases of the FTO
workflow. But while the possibilities of generative AI are exciting, let’s take a moment to
consider the steps needed to unlock its full potential in FTO analysis.
Generative AI has immense potential: While these models are incredibly impressive,
especially in the context of patent analysis, there are crucial steps that IP professionals
need to take before we can best take advantage of their full potential.
The Missing Piece: Digitized, Functional Data
AI works by analyzing data (the more the better!) and determining patterns until it can
successfully model them on its own and make its own informed decisions. Just as it
would be difficult to get meaningful insights from a messy pile of outdated and irrelevant
papers, unstructured or analog data, which in the FTO space could include Word
documents, spreadsheets, presentations, annotated PDFs, etc., lack a predefined data
model and makes it more challenging for the AI to parse and understand without
extensive preprocessing.
For the best results, input data is digitized, structured, or otherwise part of a functional
programmatic environment and organized in a predictable, easily accessible format with
clearly defined relationships between its elements. This organization enables the AI to
quickly learn patterns, correlations, and dependencies within the data, allowing for more
accurate predictions, generation, or transformations based on its training.
This means capturing your work product – your analyses, decisions, and insights – in a
way that AI can understand and learn from.
Here’s the good news: You may already have the tools you need. By embracing
digitalization and capturing your work in a structured, digital format you’re laying the
groundwork for future AI integration.
What can you do today?
- Embrace digital tools: Move beyond spreadsheets and isolated documents.
Utilize solutions designed for patent searching, research, and analysis (like
Clearstone FTO!) - Focus on data capture: Don’t just record results, capture the thought process
behind them. Every analysis, every decision, adds valuable context for future AI
models.
The Future of AI-powered FTO Analysis
Imagine a future where AI seamlessly integrates with your existing workflows, providing
on-demand insights based on your specific history and work product. This future is
possible, but it requires building a bridge between your current practices and the
potential of AI.
By focusing on structured data capture today, you’re not just laying the groundwork for a
future enabled by generative AI – you’re empowering yourself to perform more insightful
FTO analyses now.
The excitement around generative AI is justified, but the full potential will be realized
only when it is integrated within a well-defined digital environment containing structured,
functional information that tells the whole FTO story. At ClearstoneIP, we’re committed
to helping IP professionals navigate this journey by providing the ideal AI-ready digital
foundation for patent analysis now. As we roll out AI-powered capabilities later this year,
you can unlock the true power of AI through intelligently placed value-multiplying
functions within the FTO workflow.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to learn more about how ClearstoneIP
can empower you to perform better FTO analyses today, and prepare for the future of
AI.