PQAI

PQAI turns plain-language invention descriptions into AI-assisted prior-art searches. It is best for inventors, patent professionals, and R&D teams that need a low-friction first search, while developers should examine its API quotas carefully before building around it. The free tier offers unusually broad patent coverage, but higher-volume or commercial integrations quickly require a more expensive plan.

Overview

PQAI runs on the web and through an API, so it can serve both occasional researchers and software products. Users describe an invention without specialist syntax or technical formatting, making it approachable when an idea is still being framed. The free plan searches more than 100 million patents and returns up to 20 results per query at standard speed. That is enough for an initial prior-art scan, but not for systematically reviewing a large result set.

PQAI says it erases each query from its servers after generating results rather than retaining search histories. API requests use token-based authentication over HTTPS, with rate limiting and access controls. The project is open source and invites developer contributions, which may appeal to teams that value inspectable software and community participation.

Key features

Search combines CPC Classification Prediction, Technical Concept Extraction, and Patent Data Retrieval. Together with semantic search and claim analysis, these capabilities help translate an invention into classifications, concepts, and patent records instead of relying only on exact keywords. That is particularly useful for an inventor or examiner who may not know the right patent terminology, although the free result cap limits the breadth of each investigation.

PQAI offers full-text excerpts and export on its paid search tier, plus faster searching. An iFrame embed can place the service in WordPress, Wix, or a custom-built website. API plans add MCP server access and compatibility with Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, giving developers a route to connect patent search with those assistants. Commercial integration into another product requires a commercial API or Enterprise plan, so the lower tiers are not a substitute for a production license.

Pricing

PQAI+ is the sensible choice for researchers who need larger result sets and exports rather than substantial API volume. Its 20 monthly API requests are quickly exhausted by an application, and responses stop until the next billing cycle after the limit is reached. Starter increases the allowance to 50 queries but remains aimed at light experimentation. Developer is for personal or experimental projects with materially greater usage; Enterprise is the relevant tier for commercial products, integrations, and larger workloads. Free and PQAI+ users receive support through Help Docs and a contact form, with a stated aim of replying within one business day.

Platforms

PQAI is available through its web interface and API. Website embedding supports iFrame deployment in WordPress, Wix, and custom-built sites. MCP access and stated Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini compatibility make the API more practical for assistant-centered workflows, while token authentication, HTTPS, rate limiting, and access controls address basic integration safeguards.

Who it's for

Individual inventors benefit from natural-language input and a permanent free tier for early prior-art exploration. Law firms and patent examiners can use classification, concept extraction, claim analysis, and patent retrieval to structure searches, but broader professional review may outgrow 20 results per query. Enterprises and R&D teams gain export, excerpts, faster search, and integration options; commercial software makers should budget for Enterprise or another commercial API plan.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free searches cover more than 100 million patents, enabling substantial initial exploration without payment.
• Natural-language input, semantic search, and claim analysis reduce dependence on specialist query syntax.
• Paid search adds 500-result queries, full-text excerpts, export, and faster speed.
• Privacy and integration controls include query deletion, HTTPS, token authentication, rate limiting, and access controls.
• MCP access and compatibility with Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini support assistant-based workflows.

Cons

• The free tier limits each query to 20 results, restricting broad review.
• PQAI+ API access stops after 20 requests per month until renewal, making it unsuitable for sustained integration.
• Starter remains limited to 50 API queries monthly, while commercial use requires Enterprise or a commercial API plan.
• Enterprise costs $700 a month, a substantial commitment for smaller teams.

Alternatives

FindIP is a better fit when mobile access matters or when a free plan with 30 search credits, all APIs, and five jurisdictions is preferable. GoVeda suits readers wanting a free-forever option with 220M+ patents, unlimited AI semantic searches, and patentability reports, plus a free trial. Patent77 is worth considering for a low-volume workflow capped at three AI searches per month, while its Pro tier raises that to 50 searches for $49 a month. Patently is a web-only alternative centered on asset search, patent-family browsing, and chat, with a free single-user plan. PatLab.AI offers free patent searches and a 49.00 USD one-time Pro option. PatSnap is the alternative to examine when self-hosting, broader technical research, or a paid platform is required. The Lens provides anonymous free browsing and an academic workspace. Stiltn is for organizations seeking a self-hosted platform with an evaluation period and dedicated onboarding.

Verdict

PQAI is a strong starting point for inventors, legal researchers, and R&D teams that want natural-language prior-art discovery across a large corpus at no cost. Choose it for its broad free search, concept-oriented tools, and useful assistant integrations. Look elsewhere when your application needs frequent API calls, sustained commercial integration, or a result volume beyond the sharply capped lower tiers.