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USPTO Patent MCP Server

USPTO Patent MCP Server

by riemannzeta
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
Python
Remote

ptab_get_documents

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve documents filed in a PTAB proceeding by proceeding number, with optional document-type filters and pagination. Use it to find petitions, responses, and declarations.

Instructions

Get documents filed in a PTAB proceeding. Live via USPTO ODP v3.0.

Args:
    proceeding_number: Proceeding number (e.g., "IPR2023-00001")
    document_type: Filter by type (petition, response, declaration, etc.)
    offset: Starting position (default: 0)
    limit: Max results (default: 25)

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "proceeding_number": "<proceeding_number>"
    },
    "name": "ptab_get_documents"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNo
offsetNo
document_typeNo
proceeding_numberYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv1.8.1
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "result": {
-      "additionalProperties": true,
-      "title": "Result",
-      "type": "object"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "result"
-  ],
-  "title": "ptab_get_documentsOutput",
-  "type": "object"
-}New value: +null
  2. First observedv1.1.1

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds the useful detail that results are fetched live from USPTO ODP v3.0 rather than cached, and exposes paging via offset/limit, but says nothing about rate limits, result ordering, or what a response contains.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The one-line purpose and data-source note are front-loaded, followed by a compact Args block. No filler sentences, though the arg list partially duplicates defaults already present in the schema.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With a single required parameter, rich annotations, and no output schema, the definition covers invocation adequately. It falls short on the return side: an agent is not told the shape of a document record, whether a total count is returned for paging, or how document_type values are constrained beyond 'etc.'.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must carry the load, and it documents all four parameters including a format example for proceeding_number and enumerated examples for document_type. Defaults are restated from the schema, which is modest redundancy but the added example and type hints are genuinely useful.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Specific verb (get) plus resource (documents filed in a PTAB proceeding), which clearly separates it from proceeding-level siblings like ptab_get_proceeding and decision-level ones like ptab_get_decision. It does not, however, explicitly distinguish itself from the similarly named odp_get_documents for patent applications, leaving that inference to the 'PTAB' qualifier.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description says what the tool returns but never states when to reach for it over ptab_search_decisions, ptab_get_decision, or odp_get_documents, nor does it note prerequisites such as a valid proceeding number being required. Usage is only implied by the tool name.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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