PatentRef API alternatives
PatentsView-compatible API for US patent grants since 1976: claims, citations, CPC, fee status. If it doesn't fit your project, here are the 4 best free Patent APIs to use instead in 2026, out of 4 in the directory.
For reference, PatentRef API: 100% uptime (30 days) · Callable from the browser (CORS) · HTTPS.
- 1
USPTO API
Online · 2913 msExplore data and statistics on patents and trademarks.
- No API key needed
- 100% uptime (30 days)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS ? - 2
PatentsView API
Online · 3159 msAPI is intended to explore and visualize trends/patterns across the US innovation landscape.
- No API key needed
- 100% uptime (30 days)
- HTTPS
No authHTTPSCORS ? - 3
- 4
PatentRef API vs alternatives
| API | API key | HTTPS | CORS | Uptime | Response | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PatentRef | Required | Yes | Yes | 100% | 1166 ms | Not rated |
| No | Yes | Unknown | 100% | 2913 ms | Not rated | |
| No | Yes | Unknown | 100% | 3159 ms | Not rated | |
| Required | Yes | Unknown | 100% | 4000 ms | Not rated | |
| OAuth | Yes | Unknown | 91.7% | 1811 ms | Not rated |
See also: best Patent APIs · all Patent APIs
PatentRef API alternatives FAQ
What is the best free alternative to the PatentRef API in 2026?
The top-ranked free alternatives to the PatentRef API are USPTO API, PatentsView API and TIPO API, all in the Patent category. Rankings combine access (API key, HTTPS, CORS), daily uptime checks and developer ratings.
Is there a PatentRef API alternative that doesn't need an API key?
Yes: USPTO API and PatentsView API work without an API key, unlike the PatentRef API, which uses apiKey authentication.
How many Patent APIs are similar to the PatentRef API?
The directory lists 4 other free Patent APIs. This page compares the top ones side by side.