Artificial intelligence (AI) programs, such as ChatGPT, have become incredibly popular. Schools have had to modify testing practices due to the widespread use of AI, with some high schools returning to written testing using blue books. Publishers and artists have had to come up with more creative ways to protect original works as AI takes inspiration from images and content available online.
Many people may not try to cut corners at work or cheat at school using AI software. However, they may integrate AI into their regular business practices, including specialized research. ChatGPT and similar programs can be useful during the preliminary research stages of complex concepts.
Business leaders and creative professionals exploring intellectual property (IP) matters, for example, might begin their research using AI-enhanced search software. However, people need to be aware of the limitations of that software, lest they fall victim to the fallacy of programming superiority.
AI makes mistakes constantly
The development teams responsible for ChatGPT indicated that the program actually had worse accuracy rates when solving math problems after months of regular use than it did when the program initially launched. The reason is simple. Contrary to what people think about how AI operates, it does not actually create answers on its own.
There is no rational processing involved. It is a language-based search system that bases its answers on content available online. The more popular certain search results are and the more frequently online sources cite the same information, the more likely AI is to include that information in search results.
Those looking into complicated IP matters may find that AI provides them with outright inaccurate information. The software may repeat common urban legends that people share online as though they are facts. It may also provide a false sense of security for those looking into the process of registering IP.
For example, registering a trademark is often relatively complicated. The business attempting to register a trademark must first conduct an exhaustive search of images and logos already registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). AI may indicate that there are no registered trademarks similar to the image submitted by the person making the inquiry.
There is no guarantee that the software actually performed an exhaustive deep dive as is necessary to eliminate the likelihood of confusion and validate that a trademark is unique enough to register. Unfortunately, AI simply cannot replicate the results obtained by partnering with professionals who are familiar with IP laws and the exhaustive research required to proceed with IP registration at the federal or international level.
Consulting with a lawyer about intellectual property matters may not be as fast as typing an inquiry into an AI search program, but a client can feel more confident about the accuracy of the results. People who have proper help are less likely to waste time and money attempting to register intellectual property that does not qualify for safeguards, and otherwise waste their time, money and effort in a host of potentially consequential ways.