Utility Patent Image Search

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

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

Note: The loc (Locarno classification) parameter applies to design patents only and is not relevant for utility model searches.

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/zhihuiyautilitypatentimagesearch.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 utility model patent search (recommended starting point) Search for utility model patents similar to a product image, matching shape/pattern/color across all countries:

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "U",
  "model": 4,
  "limit": 20
}

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

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "U",
  "model": 4,
  "country": "CN,US",
  "limit": 20
}

3. Shape-only utility model patent search Compare by shape only (ignore pattern/color):

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "U",
  "model": 3,
  "country": "CN",
  "limit": 20
}

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

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "U",
  "model": 4,
  "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": "U",
  "model": 4,
  "assignees": "Apple Inc.",
  "limit": 20
}

6. Get results with Chinese-translated titles

{
  "url": "https://example.com/my-product.jpg",
  "patentType": "U",
  "model": 4,
  "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 - IPC/UPC classification information - 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 utility model patent similarity searches:

Not applicable -- Needs beyond utility model patent image search:

• Text-based patent search (keyword/abstract/claim search)
• Design patent image search (use ecommerce-zhihuiya-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.