How to Use WIPO PATENTSCOPE for International Prior Art

100 million+ patent documents. The best free tool for PCT applications and cross-lingual searching across 13 languages.

Step 1

Simple Search — Start Broad

Go to patentscope.wipo.int. Enter keywords in the search bar. Default searches the PCT full collection. Use the "Collection" dropdown to search individual offices (USPTO, EPO, CNIPA, JPO) or all simultaneously.

Step 2

Advanced Search — Field-Specific Queries

Use field codes: FP (front page), EC (English claims), DE (description), IC (IPC classification), AN (applicant name), PRD (priority date). Combine with Boolean operators.

FP: Front PageEC: ClaimsIC: ClassificationAN: Applicant

Step 3

Cross-Lingual Search (CLIR) — The Unique Feature

CLIR automatically translates your English terms into 13 languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Russian, Spanish…) and searches all language collections simultaneously. Finds prior art invisible on English-only databases.

13 LanguagesAutomatic TranslationNo Manual Translating

Step 4

View PCT Application Documents

For any PCT application: view the published international application, the International Search Report (ISR) and Written Opinion, Chapter II reports, and national phase entry status — revealing which markets the applicant considers important.

Step 5

Set Up Monitoring Alerts

Create a free WIPO account → save searches and set email alerts. PCT applications are published every Thursday — weekly alerts keep you current on new filings in your technology area.

⚠ Pitfalls to Avoid

Searching Only in English

Over 60% of patent filings globally are in Asian languages. Use CLIR (Cross-Lingual Expansion) to search across all languages simultaneously — it's PATENTSCOPE's killer feature.

Ignoring National Phase Data

PCT national phase entry status reveals commercial intent. If an applicant entered national phase in only 2 countries, they may have limited budget. If they entered 15 countries, the technology is commercially significant.

Using PATENTSCOPE Alone

PATENTSCOPE excels at PCT and cross-lingual searching but lacks Espacenet's legal status depth and Google Patents' full-text search power. Use all three tools together for comprehensive prior art searching.

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How to Use WIPO PATENTSCOPE for International Prior Art

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