PatentGuessr
HISTORYOne historic patent drawing a day, identifying marks removed, plus a paraphrased claim. Name the invention in six guesses, then read the original patent.
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PatentGuessr
At a glance
- Platforms
- Web
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 (identifying marks removed) and claim excerpts are lightly paraphrased from the original patents. Past filings are kept sealed until played.
How to play
- Open the daily puzzle and view the patent drawing and paraphrased claim excerpt.
- Make a written or entered guess at the invention’s name (you have up to six guesses).
- Observe on-screen progress (e.g., “Guess 1 of 6”) and feedback after each guess.
- Continue guessing until you identify the invention or exhaust six guesses.
- After the round, read the original patent or share your result using the provided links.
Why play PatentGuessr?
PatentGuessr offers a daily, history-focused puzzle that challenges you to identify inventions from original patent drawings. It combines visual sleuthing with historical source material. After playing you can read the original patent to learn more about the invention’s context and technical details.
Reading the feedback
The interface shows immediate, round-level feedback: progress is displayed (for example “Guess 1 of 6”) and verdicts such as “Rejected” appear for incorrect attempts. After a round you can follow a “Read the original patent” link and use “Share result” or copy a link to show your outcome. The page also displays case metadata such as a patent’s shown status (e.g., “PENDING EXAMINATION”).
Modes
- Core play
- This single format presents one patent drawing per day. Players try to name the invention from that drawing and an accompanying paraphrased claim, with up to six guesses; the site shows guess progress and simple feedback.
Tips & strategy
- Study the single patent drawing carefully, the puzzles use original patent scans with identifying marks removed.
- Read the paraphrased claim excerpt for technical hints about the invention’s function.
- After you finish, use the “Read the original patent” link to confirm details and learn more from the original filing.
Popular 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.