On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) unveiled an innovative AI-driven examination tool called the Trademark Classification Agentic Codification Tool, or “Class ACT.” This tool aims to simplify the pre-processing of trademark applications by automatically assigning international classifications, design search codes, and pseudo marks. A process that once took months can now be completed in just minutes.
This development brings significant advantages for trademark owners and applicants, leading to expedited examination, faster search results, and quicker updates on application status. The tool is particularly advantageous for trademarks featuring logos, designs, unconventional spellings, or those missing classifications—elements that have historically hindered processing times. Although USPTO personnel will continue to review the outputs of Class ACT, the information will be available almost instantly, benefiting both Examining Attorneys and the public alike.
For clients, the implications are substantial: shorter waiting times before the substantive examination commences, enhanced search accuracy, and a decreased risk of backlogs caused by classification issues. By automating many administrative tasks, the USPTO allows examiners to concentrate on more complex legal evaluations rather than logistical details.
Class ACT is part of a broader wave of technological enhancements the USPTO has adopted in recent years. In 2025, the office effectively used advanced tools to identify and eliminate thousands of fraudulent trademarks. The USPTO has also signaled that more AI solutions are on the way, indicating ongoing efforts to modernize processes and improve the speed, consistency, and predictability of trademark prosecution.
