Black Hills AI is an IP automation software and services company whose products and services are built on the Otto HUB™ platform, a unified IP data and API layer connecting USPTO Patent Center, existing IP management systems, document management systems, and patent and non-patent literature sources. The company combines deterministic automation with generative AI for patent and trademark work, serving IP law firms and corporate IP departments across docketing, renewals, prosecution support, and managed IP services.

Key Features & Functions:

Otto HUB™
A unified IP data and API layer providing real-time USPTO Patent Center synchronization, AI-enriched structured data endpoints, and MCP server connectivity for integration with AI platforms including Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT. Released as an open API platform in 2026, it includes a full OpenAPI specification, sandbox environment, OAuth 2.0 authentication, US-based infrastructure, and a zero data retention policy. Supports custom workflow development via Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, n8n, Zapier, and any REST client.

Otto IP™ Suite
AI-powered prosecution tools built on Otto HUB, including a web application and a Microsoft Word add-in. Supports patent drafting, office action analysis, and prosecution workflows. Integrates with Draw.io and Ketcher for technical and chemical drawing support.

Otto Assistant™
A generative AI assistant for patent law practitioners supporting document summarization and comparison, claim drafting and analysis, claim chart generation, strategic office action support, and general legal task assistance. Organizes work into Matters and Sessions with prebuilt and customizable workflow templates.

Automated IP Docketing
Deterministic docketing engine deployed since 2012 and operating at large scale, with direct Patent Center integration. Combines rule-based automation with AI enrichment for patent and trademark docketing. Includes DocketSaver™ for docketing workflow optimization and DualDocket™ for parallel docketing. Automated Patent Center Status Change Alerts notify users of prosecution updates in real time.

IP Renewals
Patent annuity and trademark renewal management for law firms and corporations, incorporating automated Evidence of Use scanning introduced in 2025 to support renewal decision making.

Honu™
An agent reporting platform for international patent management, providing automated file transfer and reporting capabilities across international prosecution matters.

IP Outsourcing Services
Managed services covering IP docketing, paralegal services, IDS management, patent proofing, patent term adjustment verification, IP consulting, and foreign correspondence management.