mcp-uspto
MCP server for USPTO — search patents, trademarks, assignments, PTAB decisions, and inventor/assignee data.
13 tools. All require free API keys (no paid tiers).
Quick Start
- Get a free API key at data.uspto.gov/apis/getting-started
- Add to your MCP config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"uspto": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "mcp-uspto"],
"env": {
"USPTO_API_KEY": "your-odp-key-here"
}
}
}
}
This unlocks 9 tools. For all 13, add the optional keys below.
Tools
Open Data Portal (USPTO_API_KEY)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
uspto_patent_search | Search patents by keyword — entry point for all patent research |
uspto_patent_details | Title, abstract, inventors, assignee, classification, status |
uspto_patent_documents | List file wrapper docs (office actions, responses, claims) |
uspto_patent_assignments | Ownership transfers, security interests for an application |
uspto_patent_status | Full prosecution timeline from filing to grant/abandonment |
uspto_patent_continuity | Patent family tree — continuations, divisionals, CIPs, provisionals |
uspto_patent_foreign_priority | Foreign priority claims — linked international filings |
uspto_ptab_decisions | PTAB trial decisions (IPR, PGR, CBM) |
uspto_ptab_proceedings | PTAB trial proceedings — active and concluded patent challenges |
PatentsView (USPTO_PATENTSVIEW_API_KEY)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
uspto_patentsview_search | Rich search with CPC, date, assignee filters |
uspto_inventor_search | Find inventors and patent portfolios |
uspto_assignee_search | Company IP landscape analysis |
Register free at patentsview.org
TSDR (USPTO_TSDR_API_KEY)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
uspto_trademark_status | Trademark status, owner, goods/services |
Register free at developer.uspto.gov
Full Config (all keys)
{
"mcpServers": {
"uspto": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "mcp-uspto"],
"env": {
"USPTO_API_KEY": "your-odp-key",
"USPTO_PATENTSVIEW_API_KEY": "your-patentsview-key",
"USPTO_TSDR_API_KEY": "your-tsdr-key"
}
}
}
}
Tools return a helpful setup message (not an error) when their key is missing.
Example Queries
- "Search for CRISPR gene editing patents" →
uspto_patent_search - "Show me the prosecution history for application 16/123,456" →
uspto_patent_status - "What's the patent family for this application?" →
uspto_patent_continuity - "Does this patent claim foreign priority?" →
uspto_patent_foreign_priority - "Get assignment records for application 16/123,456" →
uspto_patent_assignments - "Find PTAB challenges against patent 10,234,567" →
uspto_ptab_decisions - "What active PTAB proceedings involve Samsung?" →
uspto_ptab_proceedings - "What patents does Apple hold in display technology?" →
uspto_assignee_search - "Look up trademark serial number 97123456" →
uspto_trademark_status
Rate Limits
Built-in token-bucket rate limiting per API:
- Open Data Portal: 10 req/sec
- PatentsView: 45 req/min
- TSDR: 60 req/min
License
MIT