• DATA
  • ANALYSIS
  • FILTERING
  • HUMAN

How to search patent databases with your AI

Connect your AI to the EPO Open Patent Services to pull technical filings directly into your chat. Once connected, you can query the repository for specific keywords or technology classes.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use AI to search patent databases?

You use your AI to send search queries to the EPO repository via the search_epo_patents tool. This lets you identify relevant filings and technical data using plain English instead of complex Boolean strings. You'll get a breakdown of how the AI handles these queries below.

Search outcomes

What you get from these searches

The AI handles the heavy lifting of querying the database so you can focus on the results.

DATA

Targeted patent lists

The AI pulls specific filings that match your technical descriptions. You get a list of relevant patent numbers and titles.

ANALYSIS

Technical summaries

Your AI reads the patent details to summarize the core invention. This helps you skip the dense legal jargon.

FILTERING

Refined search results

You can ask your AI to narrow down the results by specific dates or inventors. It filters the EPO data to match your constraints.

HUMAN

Legal verification

The AI identifies the filings, but you must perform the final legal review. It cannot provide legal advice or guarantee patent validity.

The workflow

What your AI does when a search arrives.

The AI acts as the bridge between your natural language questions and the EPO's structured database.

  1. Translate intent

    Your AI takes your plain English description of a technology and converts it into a format the EPO database understands.

    search_epo_patents

  2. Execute query

    The AI calls the search tool to pull matching records from the EPO repository.

    search_epo_patents

  3. Parse results

    The AI reads the raw patent data returned by the service and organizes it into a readable format.

    search_epo_patents

  4. Synthesize findings

    Your agent compares the different filings to highlight similarities or differences in the technology described.

    search_epo_patents

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your patent research.

Starting points

Swap out the bracketed text for your specific technology or keyword.

EPO Open Patent Services Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_wqzFHyOKgMzSsx5wlhmYNM2eKF5r2imr9VlaL9BL/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — EPO Open Patent Services capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "epo-open-patent-services-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_wqzFHyOKgMzSsx5wlhmYNM2eKF5r2imr9VlaL9BL/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Search the EPO repository for patents related to [semiconductor manufacturing techniques].

  • Find recent patent filings from [company name] regarding [battery technology].

  • List all patents in the EPO database that mention [specific chemical compound].

  • Summarize the key technical claims in the most recent filings for [autonomous vehicle sensors].

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Start here

Connect EPO Open Patent Services once, then ask.

Just click the link to connect the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying immediately.

Connect EPO Open Patent Services to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI file a patent application for me?

    No. The AI can only search and retrieve existing data from the EPO repository.

  • 02

    Does the AI provide legal opinions on patent strength?

    No. The AI summarizes technical data, but it cannot provide legal advice or opinions on patentability.

  • 03

    Can I search for patents outside of the EPO?

    No. This specific tool is limited to the EPO Open Patent Services repository.

  • 04

    Can the AI update or edit patent records?

    No. The tool is read-only; it can only retrieve information, not modify the database.

  • 05

    How does the AI handle complex technical terms?

    The AI translates your natural language into search parameters to find the most relevant technical matches in the database.

  • More questions about EPO Open Patent Services? The Connector page answers them. See everything the EPO Open Patent Services Connector can do

Connect EPO Open Patent Services to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more