The use of human experts versus AI-based search tools in intellectual property rights (IPR) is the subject of ongoing debate. While AI has made significant strides in automating search processes and handling vast amounts of data, there are several reasons why manual searches by human professionals remain essential and, in many cases, superior. Here are some reasons why humans are better than AI for IPR searches and why AI still can not replace human jobs in this sector.

Contextual Understanding and Interpretation

 Detailed insight: If we talk about taking the knowledge insights from the patents for our different novelty, invalidity, and infringement searches, human experts possess a deep, detailed understanding of legal terminology, industry-specific language, and regional differences that AI algorithms may not capture. This contextual understanding allows them to refine search criteria based on specific client needs and industry trends.

Evaluation of Results: AI can process large datasets quickly but cannot analyze results in context. Human professionals can assess search results, filter out irrelevant data, and identify valuable information that AI might miss due to its reliance on predefined algorithms.

Flexibility and Adaptability

 Adaptability to Complex Queries: AI-powered search tools may struggle with complex or new queries that require adaptive thinking and creative problem-solving, skills in which human professionals excel. Human experts can modify their strategies and decision-making processes in real time to adapt to new trends and technologies. As a result, AI-based search tools offer unique advantages compared to traditional human methods.

Tailored Approaches: Every IPR search presents a unique scenario, calling for a tailored approach that considers individual client objectives, legal differences, and industry nuances. Our team of experts excels at adapting search strategies on the fly, incorporating the latest data & making adjustments as needed.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

 Ethical Standards: Professionals in the human workforce adhere to ethical standards such as confidentiality, privacy, and unbiased reporting, which are crucial in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) searches involving sensitive information. This is a valuable skill that, with substantial human input, can enhance the effectiveness of AI. There are still concerns about using AI solutions for patent searches because they involve third-party providers or cloud services. This raises concerns about who can access confidential patent information and how the data is stored, transmitted, and protected throughout the search process.

Legal Interpretation: IPR searches often require navigating intricate legal frameworks and precedents. Human experts are skilled in interpreting legal documents, understanding case law, and applying legal principles to IPR search queries. This is a crucial skill that, with significant human input, can greatly complement and enhance AI capabilities.

 Advanced and Specialized Queries

 Quality Assurance: When it comes to manual searches, expect a meticulous process with rigorous peer review and validation, guaranteeing exceptional quality at every stage. Human experts can cross-check findings, verify accuracy, and provide additional insights that enhance the overall reliability of search results. Remembering the importance of connecting with the client and putting myself in the shoes of someone searching for a patent will significantly influence how we think and develop strategies for finding relevant prior art. This approach allows for creative thinking and problem-solving. In contrast, an AI-based model relies solely on predefined trained models and data, limiting its ability to think creatively and provide high-quality results.

Conclusion:

 Many people fear that AI could replace human jobs, but AI-based search tools offer benefits in speed and scalability and help save money.”Although AI has made great strides, human experts still have the upper hand in specific areas, like intellectual property rights. The ability to understand detailed contexts, interpret complex legal and industry-specific information, and adapt strategies in real time are critical capabilities that human professionals bring to the table.” By harnessing the power of AI as a valuable assistant instead of a substitute for human knowledge, IPR professionals can combine the best of both worlds to provide in-depth, precise, and ethically responsible solutions that cater to the varied requirements of clients in the ever-changing global market

AUTHOR:  SAHIL RATHOUR, PATENT RESEARCH ANALYST