Identifying emerging AI technologies using patent data: A semi-automated approach

This technical paper introduces a novel methodology for identifying “AI patents” – patents protecting inventions related to artificial intelligence (AI). It builds on existing taxonomies and considers recent developments in the field, notably the surge of generative AI technologies. It combines technology groups of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) with a list of AI-related keywords and phrases. The method for identifying AI vocabulary and CPC classes is designed to enable easy updates and integration of emerging AI technologies.