Google has sent a letter to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) criticising proposed rule changes that the tech firm believes will stifle innovation in the United States, particularly in the field of AI. Google argues that these changes would make it harder for the USPTO to correct errors in the patent examination process, hindering developers and innovation.

The company suggests three recommendations to support AI innovation: maintaining access to the inter partes review (IPR) program, providing comprehensive technical training for patent examiners, and increasing patent filing and examination fees for large companies like Google to fund technical training. Google also calls on Congress to use fee-setting as an opportunity to equip the USPTO with the resources needed to implement these changes. Other tech firms, including Microsoft and IBM, have also expressed concerns about the proposed USPTO changes.