Patent Image Search (Design Patents)

This skill guides you on how to perform patent image similarity search via the patent database for design patents only (type D). Given a single image URL, it finds visually similar patents in the design patent database, supporting multiple search models and extensive filtering options.

This skill supports design patents only. For utility model patents, use ecommerce-zhihuiya-utility-patent-image-search.

Core Concepts

Patent Image Search uses visual AI models to compare a given product or design image against a global patent image database. It returns a ranked list of similar patents, enabling users to evaluate infringement risks or conduct prior-art research.

Patent type for this skill:

Search models for design patents:

Scoring logic: A higher score value means greater visual similarity. When presenting results, sort by score in descending order (highest similarity first) so users can prioritize the most relevant patents for review.

Parameter Guide

Required Parameters

Common Optional Parameters

Commonly Used Country Codes

Usage

• API Endpoint: POST /zhihuiya/patentImageSearch (see references/api.md for full parameters, responses, and error codes)
• Python Script: python scripts/zhihuiyapatentimage_search.py '<JSON parameters>'

Output strategy (script default behavior):

• Prints the full JSON response to stdout

Data reading tip: Use jq or ConvertFrom-Json to extract specific fields from the response as needed.

Usage Examples

1. Basic design patent search (recommended starting point) Search for design patents similar to a product image across all countries:

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "limit": 20
}

2. Design patent search limited to specific countries Search only in China and the United States:

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "country": "CN,US",
  "limit": 20
}

3. Search with Locarno classification filter Narrow results to a specific product category (e.g., LOC 07-01 for tableware):

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "loc": "07-01",
  "preFilter": 1,
  "limit": 20
}

4. Search only active patents within a date range Find active design patents filed after 2020:

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "simpleLegalStatus": "1",
  "applyStartTime": "20200101",
  "limit": 30
}

5. Search by specific assignee Find patents held by a particular company:

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "assignees": "Apple Inc.",
  "limit": 20
}

6. Get results with Chinese-translated titles

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "D",
  "model": 1,
  "lang": "cn",
  "limit": 20
}

Display Rules

1. Sort by score: Always sort results by score in descending order (highest similarity first) to help users quickly identify the most relevant infringement risks.

1. Show complete details: When summarizing results or generating reports, include ALL of the following for each patent -- do NOT omit or abbreviate:

- Application number (apno) - Patent title in Chinese (use lang: cn or provide translation) - Inventor (inventor) - Patent drawing (the matched url image) - Every patent image in the image list - Patent abstract - Patent description - LOC classification information (loc) - Radar result (radarResult) if available - Patent specification

1. Legal disclaimer: Always append: "This search result was generated by Nexscope. It is recommended to consult a professional patent attorney for legal advice."

1. Score explanation: Remind users that the score represents visual similarity -- a higher score indicates a closer match, but does not constitute a legal determination of infringement.

1. Pagination guidance: When the total count exceeds the returned results, inform users about the total number of matching patents and guide them to use offset and limit for additional pages.

1. Error handling: When a query fails, explain the reason and suggest adjustments (e.g., verify the image URL is publicly accessible, check country codes, adjust date formats).

User Expression & Scenario Quick Reference

Applicable -- Image-based patent similarity searches:

Not applicable -- Needs beyond patent image search:

• Text-based patent search (keyword/abstract/claim search)
• Utility model patent search (use ecommerce-zhihuiya-utility-patent-image-search)
• Patent legal status monitoring or annuity management
• Patent valuation or licensing negotiation
• Freedom-to-operate (FTO) legal opinions
• Patent family or citation analysis

Authentication

Set NEXSCOPEAPIKEY. Visit https://www.nexscope.ai/help/skills-external-access?co-from=skillNS to manage credits.