What is PatentGuessr?
PatentGuessr is a daily guessing game that presents one historic patent drawing each day and asks players to identify the invention. Players are given six guesses to name the invention. Drawings are original public-domain patent scans with identifying marks removed, and claim excerpts are lightly paraphrased from the original patents.
How to play PatentGuessr
- Open the daily puzzle and view the patent drawing and paraphrased claim excerpt.
- Enter your guess for the invention's name.
- Observe the progress indicator (e.g., "Guess 1 of 6") and feedback after each attempt.
- Continue guessing until you identify the invention or use all six guesses.
- After the round, read the original patent or share your result using the provided links.
Study the drawing and claim together
The patent drawing shows the invention's visual structure. The paraphrased claim excerpt describes its technical function. Use both pieces of information to narrow down what the invention does and how it achieves that purpose. Original patent scans have identifying marks removed, so focus on the mechanical or structural details visible in the illustration.
Tips for stronger guesses
Study the drawing carefully before typing. Look for distinctive mechanisms, parts, or arrangements that suggest a specific function. Read the claim excerpt for technical hints about what the invention accomplishes or how it operates.
After you finish, use the "Read the original patent" link to confirm details and learn more from the original filing. The interface shows immediate feedback for each guess, displaying "Rejected" for incorrect attempts and tracking your progress through six rounds.
Common questions
How many guesses do I get?
You get six guesses to name the invention. The interface shows progress like "Guess 1 of 6."
Where do the drawings and claims come from?
Each drawing is an original public-domain patent scan with identifying marks removed. Claim excerpts are lightly paraphrased from the original patents.