Patent Search
Charlie searches the EPO patent databases (EP + WO) using its sources, reasoning logic, and conversational interface. Search by natural language, identifier, or applicant—and compare up to 5 patents with one another.
Emerit Science Team
Until now, Charlie has been able to search scientific literature (PubMed, bioRxiv, HAL, PMC). Now it can also search the European Patent Office’s patent databases—the EP (European) and WO (international PCT) collections. All of this is accessible through the same conversational interface, with the same standard of clickable citations.
In practical terms: you ask your question, Charlie searches the patent database, explains what it finds, highlights the relevant claims, and links to the official document for each patent. Whether for prior art searches, competitive intelligence, or due diligence, this significantly speeds up the process.
1. Enable patent search
Two entry points:
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The "Patent Search" toggle
In any session, click the "Patent Search" toggle above the search bar. Charlie will then switch its searches to the EPO databases for that query. This can be combined with an internet search to cross-reference patents and literature.
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The Patents Page
From the sidebar, open the Patents tab. You'll be taken to a view focused on IP, featuring a dedicated search bar, filters, and sorting options specific to patents.
2. Three ways to search
In plain language
“Which patents describe a sustained-release subcutaneous injection device from 2021 onward?” — Charlie understands the query, rephrases it, and searches.
By patent number
Paste an EP or WO number (e.g., EP3458480, WO2020123456). Charlie opens the full record, and a "Manual Search" badge indicates that the search is in targeted mode.
By applicant
Enter the name of a company, laboratory, or institution. Charlie retrieves the applicant’s patent portfolio—useful for competitive intelligence.
3. Compare up to 5 patents
Select 2 to 5 patents from a list of results, then ask Charlie to perform a comparative analysis. It compares the claims side by side, identifies areas of overlap, and highlights technical differences and chronological developments.
Ideal for prior art mapping, a quick freedom-to-operate analysis, or for comparing multiple generations of patents from the same applicant.
4. Filters, sorting, and clickable citations
Results can be filtered by type (application, granted, etc.) and sorted by date or relevance. The citations in the response from Charlie are clickable: each reference links to the full patent record (title, applicant, claims, publication date, official number).
The sources panel on the right side of the conversation lists all the patents that have been reported, with a quick overview so you can make a decision without leaving the session.
5. What are the use cases?
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Prior Art Search
Before filing a patent or publishing an invention, quickly identify what already exists in your specific technical field.
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Competitive Intelligence
Track filings by a competitor or a group of companies related to a therapeutic target, technology, or indication.
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Due diligence
During an M&A transaction or a fundraising round, map out a target company’s IP portfolio in just a few hours.
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Technical monitoring
Track the evolution of a technology family by cross-referencing patents and scientific publications within the same conversation.
Tip
Combine "Patent Search" with "Web Search" and "Reflection" mode to cross-reference, within the same result, a patent's claims and recent scientific literature on the same target. This is the most powerful mode.
Find your first patent
Go to Charlie, enable the "Patent Search" toggle, and enter your first EP or WO search query.
Get Started for Free