IP Australia to evaluate IBM Watson

IP Australia has teamed up with IBM to trial using the Watson cognitive computing technology to improve the services offered to Australian inventors.

The government agency will conduct a 12-week test involving applying Watson for multiple applications and developing a working prototype of a user scenario incorporating the technology.

Watson works by crunching large volumes of information to create user profiles based on stated, observed and inferred preferences.

IP Australia Director General Patricia Kelly said the tool has the potential to transform the way the agency interacts with innovators.

“By exploring new opportunities, we can lead the global IP economy in a revolutionary digital transformation to develop a world-leading IP system that builds prosperity for Australians,” she said.

“IP Australia is committed to promoting best practice online solutions for innovators. This initiative builds on recent achievements to the agency’s online accessibility and significant growth in the e-services channel, which receives over 97% of all customer transactions.”

The Watson technology is already in use in the medical research, finance and banking, international education, and travel and hospitality services sectors.

In October, Deakin University signed a deal with IBM involving incorporating Watson into a comprehensive online student services system.