USPTO Announces Release of New “Class ACT” AI Tool in Trademark Examination

On March 19, 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the release of a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool aimed at streamlining the trademark application review process.[1]  The tool, known as the Trademark Classification Agentic Codification Tool (“Class Act”), introduces several enhancements designed to improve efficiency in trademark examination.

Notably, Class ACT is capable of automatically identifying and assigning international classes to previously unclassified trademark applications.  In addition, the tool can identify design search codes and generate pseudo marks during the application process.  These features are expected to significantly reduce the time spent by both practitioners and examining attorneys when searching for marks that include logos, phonetic spellings, or intentional misspellings.[1]

In its press release, the USPTO highlighted the broader significance of the tool’s launch.  Rob Hayes, Acting Chief AI and Data Officer, described the release of Class Act as “AI done right: faster results, higher quality, happier stakeholders,” and emphasized that the Trademark Office is “setting the standard” for the use of AI in intellectual property prosecution.[1]  The USPTO also indicated that additional AI-driven trademark solutions are expected in the near future.[1]

Stein IP will continue to monitor these developments and advise clients on how to effectively leverage emerging AI tools to enhance efficiency and outcomes in trademark prosecution.

Reference

[1]              https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/trademark-classification-goes-agentic-usptos-announcement-class-act-assistant