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

1. Get a free API key at data.uspto.gov/apis/getting-started
2. 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