Is AutoPatent free to use?

Yes. AutoPatent offers free patent search and optimization trials. A Pro plan is available for advanced features.

Which patent databases does AutoPatent search?

AutoPatent searches global patent databases including CNIPA (China), USPTO (USA), EPO (Europe), JPO (Japan), KIPO (Korea), WIPO, and more.

How does AI patent optimization work?

AutoPatent compares your invention description against existing patents in CNIPA, USPTO, EPO, and other databases. It then rewrites your description to emphasize novel technical features and differentiate from similar existing patents, with itemized explanations for each change.

Can AutoPatent guarantee my patent will be approved?

No tool can guarantee patent approval. AutoPatent helps you strengthen your application by identifying potential conflicts and suggesting improvements, but final approval depends on the patent office.

Is my patent idea kept confidential?

Yes. AutoPatent does not store your patent ideas permanently. All searches are processed in-memory and not shared with third parties.

Software Patents vs Invention Patents vs Designs: Stop Mixing Them Up

When I started, software patent, invention patent, utility model, and design patent were a blur. People gave conflicting advice. After running processes myself, the map got clearer.\n\nDesign protects appearance, not function or structure. Novelty is enough; inventive step is not required. Examination is relatively fast, but the scope is narrow — small shape or color changes may avoid infringement.\n\nUtility model protects shape/structure combinations you can touch, not methods. It is faster and cheaper, and often skips deep inventive-step examination, so grant rates are high. Tradeoffs: shorter term (often 10 years vs 20 for invention) and weaker post-grant stability against invalidation.\n\nInvention patents cover products and methods, require substantive examination (novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability), take longer and cost more, but offer the strongest and most stable protection.\n\nSoftware patent is not a separate legal type; it is usually an invention patent for a computer-implemented technical solution. Pure algorithms or business methods without a technical problem fail. Write steps tied to technical means, not user clicked a button as the feature.\n\nChooser: structural hardware with limited budget — start utility model; method/algorithm — invention; appearance-driven consumer goods — design; if budget allows, same-day invention + utility model is a common bridge strategy.