DEPATISnet - database for online searches on patent publications from around the world

DEPATISnet is the database of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office for online searches on patent publications from around the world. It includes the internal DEPATIS electronic document archive of the office (German patent information system). For detailed information on the available data click here.

• Basic
  Select the Basic mode if you are a newcomer or have little searching experience. It has an easy-to-use intuitive search interface.
• Advanced
  The Advanced search allows you to search in different search fields and to combine the selected fields according to your needs.
• Expert
  The Expert mode is recommended for users experienced in patent searches. This mode allows to create more complex search queries.
• Ikofax
  The IKOFAX mode is suitable for users proficient in the fields of IKOFAX syntax and the DEPATIS database system.

From 29 April 2025, you will be able to access a new release of the IPC application (International Patent Classification). (29.04.2025)

We have implemented your wishes. Here we present a small selection of the improvements:

• The session is only ended after two hours of inactivity.
• The default sorting of the results list is by symbol and in ascending order.
• When searching for search terms, truncation is possible at the beginning of the search term.
• The closed or open views of the search and concordance menu area are saved so that the next time you open the browser you will find the same status as the last time.
• The sorting of the results list of the search and the status (open or closed) of all directory configurations (search, comparison view and concordance) are saved.
• The directory configurations are not closed when the "Apply directory configuration" button is pressed.
• Main groups are visually separated from each other in the directories by a horizontal line.
• Additional elements in the results list have a hierarchy display. This shows the hierarchy of the higher-level symbol.

Your opinion is important to us! (17.04.2025)

The DPMA would like to offer you the best service in the patent application and patent grant procedure.
We would therefore like to know from you: What interests do you pursue when you file a patent application with the DPMA?
Please take about five minutes to complete our survey. The survey and analysis will be anonymous. Your information will be treated confidentially and without judgement. Thank you for your support.

To the survey

New function in the history (29.05.2024)

You can now delete search requests that you do not wish to save in the history. There is a recycle bin icon to the right of the saved search requests.

Sorting the IPC classes of the result list (01.11.2023)

An ICP ranking can be called up in the action menu in the result list. The number of occurrences of the IPC symbol in IPC main classes and IPC secondary/index classes in the current result list is sorted in descending order and can be downloaded in CSV format.

all news

You can use IPC symbols for your patent or utility model document search. The IPC search does not provide patent documents per se. If you have found a useful classification place in the IPC you can transfer this symbol by a single click on the magnifying glass icon directly into a search query in DEPATISnet. The search will open in a new window with the IPC symbol in "All IPC fields".

For background information on the IPC click here.

• E-Mail: datenbanken@dpma.de
• Phone: +49-89 2195 3435

• E-Mail: info@dpma.de
• Phone: +49-89 2195 1000
• Website of the German Patent and Trademark Office: www.dpma.de

• Quick reference guide DEPATISnet
• For guidance on how to search in DEPATISnet, please refer to the brochure " Prior Art Search on the Internet"