A Socio-Administrative Exploration of Patent Systems and AI Impact
The rapid acceleration of technological advancements, often referred to as the “Great Acceleration,” has significantly impacted patent systems worldwide. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal force in reshaping the role of patent examiners, challenging traditional administrative structures, and transforming the process of intellectual property assessment. This paper explores the socio-administrative implications of AI integration within patent systems, analyzing its effects on patent examination workflows, examiner expertise, and the broader socio-legal landscape. Additionally, this study expands on the history of classification systems, the impact of delays during the “Paper Constipation” period, examiner labor disputes, and the evolution of digital networks and AI tools in patent offices.
Paper, European Social Science History Conference, Leiden, 2025.