On April 11, 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Guidance on Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Tools in Practice Before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (April Guidance). The April Guidance, which supplements prior guidance issued Feb. 13, 2024, seeks to remind practitioners of existing rules and to educate them on potential risks associated with artificial intelligence tool use, allowing practitioners to mitigate these risks.

AI, now a reality rather than a possibility, has the potential to reshape the legal landscape. AI’s ability to parse through extensive legal data, anticipate outcomes based on legal precedents, and even draft legal documents may revolutionize the way lawyers practice.