Technological prospecting is a tool used to map technological development. Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to simulate or reproduce human intelligence in machines. This technology has systematically revolutionized several sectors, with emphasis on image recognition, an area that refers to the identification of patterns in an image and constitutes one of the most dynamic fields of AI. The present study aims to verify the technological development of AI applications in image recognition. The methodology used was patent-based technological prospecting through the Orbit platform, combined with a literature review on the subject in a qualitative approach. The results indicate significant advances in image recognition. A total of 5,154 patents were identified, with a peak in filings occurring in 2022, when 1,109 patents were published. The country with the most filings was China, with 3,713 patents. Most of the deposits were classified in the G-Physical section, code G06F, with 1,923 documents. As for the legal situation, 17.08% of patents are not in force. Image recognition is a transforming factor in contemporary society, even though it brings ethical challenges and challenges related to the privacy of individuals.