/search-epo

description: Search European patents using EPO OPS API and BigQuery (100M+ patents filtered for EP)
argument-hint: "query [optional: --cpc CODE] [--year-range START-END] [--applicant NAME] [--limit N]"
allowed-tools:
  - search_epo_patents
  - search_patents_google
  - search_patents_bigquery
  - get_patent_bigquery
  - get_patents_bigquery
  - search_patents_by_cpc_bigquery
model: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929

EPO Patent Search

Search European patents using the EPO Open Patent Services (OPS) API and Google BigQuery.

**Query:** $ARGUMENTS

What This Command Does

Provides two complementary European patent search methods:

1. **EPO OPS API** - Official EPO database with full-text EP publications, legal status, patent family links 2. **BigQuery** (country="EP") - 100M+ worldwide patents filtered for European patents, fast keyword/CPC search

Search Methods

EPO OPS API (Detailed EP Data)

Best for:

• Full-text EP patent retrieval
• Legal status and procedural history
• Patent family linking (INPADOC families)
• Applicant/inventor search
• EP publication details (A1, A2, B1, B2)

/search-epo "blockchain authentication"

> Searching EPO OPS for EP patents...
>
> [1] EP3456789A1 - Authentication system using distributed ledger
>     Applicant: Example GmbH
>     Filed: 2019-03-15 | Published: 2020-01-22
>     IPC: H04L9/32, G06F21/31
>     Status: Examination in progress
>
> [2] EP3567890B1 - Blockchain-based identity verification
>     Applicant: Tech Corp
>     Filed: 2018-07-20 | Granted: 2021-05-12
>     IPC: H04L9/00, G06Q20/38
>     Status: Patent in force

BigQuery (Fast Broad Search)

Best for:

• Quick keyword search across EP patents
• CPC classification browsing
• Filing trend analysis
• Cross-jurisdiction comparison (EP vs US vs CN)

/search-epo "neural network medical imaging" --cpc G06N --limit 20

> Searching BigQuery for EP patents...
>
> Found: 156 EP patents matching query
> Showing top 20 results
>
> [1] EP-3891234-A1 - Deep learning system for medical image analysis
>     Assignee: Medical AI Inc.
>     Filed: 2020-06-15
>     CPC: G06N3/08, A61B6/00
>     ...

Combined Workflow

For comprehensive EP patent research:

1. **Start with BigQuery** - Broad keyword search, filter country="EP" 2. **Identify CPC codes** - Extract from relevant results 3. **Deep CPC search** - BigQuery CPC search for thorough coverage 4. **EPO OPS details** - Get full text, legal status, family data 5. **Family analysis** - Use family_id to find related filings worldwide

> Step 1: Broad full-text search
search_patents_google("voice biometric", country="EP", limit=100)

> Step 2: Found CPC G10L17, search more
search_patents_by_cpc_bigquery("G10L17", country="EP", limit=50)

> Step 3: Get full details for top results
search_epo_patents("EP3456789")  # Full text, legal status, family

> Step 4: Check patent family
# Use family_id to find US, CN, JP counterparts

Search Options

**By Keywords**:

/search-epo "autonomous vehicle lidar"

**By CPC Code**:

/search-epo --cpc G01S17/89

**By Applicant**:

/search-epo --applicant "Siemens"

**By Year Range**:

/search-epo "5G antenna" --year-range 2020-2025

**Combined**:

/search-epo "battery electrode" --cpc H01M4 --year-range 2022-2025 --limit 30

EP Publication Types

| Code | Meaning | Description | |------|---------|-------------| | A1 | Application + search report | Published with European search report | | A2 | Application only | Published without search report | | A3 | Search report | Search report published separately | | B1 | Granted patent | Patent specification after grant | | B2 | Amended patent | Patent specification after opposition |

Result Format

Each result includes:

{
    "publication_number": "EP3456789A1",
    "title": "Authentication system using distributed ledger",
    "abstract": "A system for...",
    "applicant": "Example GmbH",
    "inventors": ["Hans Mueller", "Maria Schmidt"],
    "filing_date": "2019-03-15",
    "publication_date": "2020-01-22",
    "grant_date": null,
    "ipc_codes": ["H04L9/32", "G06F21/31"],
    "cpc_codes": ["H04L9/32", "G06F21/31"],
    "designated_states": ["DE", "FR", "GB", "NL", "IT"],
    "priority_claims": ["US16/234567 (2018-12-28)"],
    "family_id": "67890123",
    "legal_status": "Examination in progress",
    "full_text_available": true
}

Common EP CPC Codes

| Code | Technology | |------|-----------| | A61B | Diagnosis/surgery | | B60W | Vehicle control | | C12N | Biotechnology | | F03D | Wind motors | | G06F | Computing | | G06N | AI/machine learning | | G16H | Healthcare informatics | | H01L | Semiconductor devices | | H04L | Digital communication | | H04W | Wireless communication |

Tips for EP Searches

1. **Use IPC and CPC**: EP patents are classified under both systems 2. **Check families**: Use family_id to find US/CN/JP counterparts 3. **Legal status matters**: Check if patent is in force, expired, or opposed 4. **Language**: EP patents published in EN, FR, or DE - search all 5. **A1 vs B1**: A1 is application (claims may change), B1 is granted 6. **Opposition period**: 9 months after grant for third-party opposition

After the Search

Based on results, I can help you:

1. **Analyze prior art**: Compare findings to your invention 2. **Draft claims**: Distinguish from EP prior art found 3. **Create EP application**: Use `/create-epo-patent` 4. **Freedom-to-operate**: Assess EP patent landscape risks 5. **Family analysis**: Track patents across jurisdictions

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**DISCLAIMER:** This tool assists with patent research but does NOT replace professional patent searching by a qualified searcher. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the EPO.