Walmart Wins Patents for AI-Powered Price Changes

Published: Friday, March 20, 2026 at 12:46 pm

Walmart Patents AI-Driven Pricing Tools, Sparking Consumer Concerns

Walmart has secured patents for artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to automate and optimize pricing strategies, raising concerns among consumers about the potential for dynamic and surveillance pricing. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently granted these patents, which are now generating discussion on social media.

One patent, US-12524776-B2, details a system for dynamically adjusting prices on e-commerce platforms. This system utilizes price elasticity data and predicted demand to generate initial markdown prices. If such data is unavailable, the system establishes a price range to determine new prices.

Another patent, US-12572954-B2, focuses on using machine learning to forecast demand and recommend prices. The patent filing suggests the potential use of third-party data in price determination, a practice that has drawn criticism when employed by other businesses.

Walmart has also implemented digital shelf labels, enabling rapid price changes in physical stores. The company aims to deploy this technology across all locations by the end of the year. While the patents primarily concern e-commerce, the technology could potentially be extended to brick-and-mortar stores, allowing for real-time price adjustments based on various factors.

Walmart has not directly addressed questions regarding the patents. However, the company reportedly stated to the Financial Times that the patents are unrelated to dynamic pricing, claiming one patent is specific to markdowns and another is designed for merchant teams to make decisions.

The rise of AI-driven pricing has prompted legislative action in several states. New York has already passed a law requiring consumer notification when algorithms and personal data are used to set prices. Federal legislation, including bills introduced by Democrats in both the Senate and the House, seeks to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores. However, the passage of such legislation is uncertain given the current political landscape.

BNN's Perspective:

While AI-driven pricing offers potential efficiencies for retailers, the lack of transparency and the potential for discriminatory pricing practices are legitimate concerns. Striking a balance between innovation and consumer protection is crucial. Clear regulations and consumer notification are essential to ensure fair pricing practices and maintain public trust.

Keywords: Walmart, AI, patents, pricing, dynamic pricing, surveillance pricing, e-commerce, machine learning, price elasticity, demand, digital shelf labels, consumer protection, legislation, regulation

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