Frequently asked questions
What SEPPi does, and what it does not.
What is SEPPi?
SEPPi is a claim chart service for 3GPP standard-essential patents (SEPs). Enter a granted patent number or upload an unfiled specification, and SEPPi maps each claim element to the 3GPP clause that describes it, cited by spec number, version and clause. SEPPi is run by kernalic.
What is in a claim chart?
For each claim element, the corresponding clause is cited at a pinned version, such as "TS 36.322 v8.8.0 §5.2.2.1", with the clause text and a screenshot paired to the element by colour. Elements the standard does not describe are marked as such, and every clause shows the release in which it entered the standard. Reports are in English, downloadable as PDF, PPTX and DOCX, and readable on the web.
Does SEPPi score essentiality or decide infringement?
No. SEPPi gives no essentiality probability or score, and draws no conclusion on essentiality or infringement. It is a first-pass screening tool that lays out the evidence a decision needs: the matching standard text, and the elements with no counterpart, each at a pinned version. The decision stays with the attorney or analyst, and anyone can check it against the same evidence.
Which standards does SEPPi cover?
3GPP only, at versions from Release 8 to Release 20. That includes the LTE and 5G NR specifications, and the GSM and UMTS series at the versions of the same period. Other standards, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) and video codecs, are not covered yet.
Which patents can I enter?
Any granted patent number published on Google Patents (US, European, Korean and others); SEPPi fetches its claims and description. An application not yet granted can be uploaded as a specification file (docx or txt) and is compared the same way. One report covers one independent claim.
How long does it take?
Each report is ready within an hour. Before you pay, the candidate specs for each patent are shown for free, so you order reports only for the patents you need.
How has SEPPi been validated?
Against two public answer keys, in both cases without being told the spec or release: - 50 patents from the Sisvel 5G Multimode pool list: SEPPi cited the clause the pool names in 44 (88%). - 32 patents decided by courts in nine jurisdictions, including the UK, the Netherlands, Korea and Japan: of the 30 with an essentiality finding, 26 came out the way the court decided, with no unmatched element where the court found the patent essential and an unmatched element where it did not. Both measure first-pass screening and do not replace a legal opinion.
Who uses SEPPi?
- Patent owners, universities and research institutes picking out the patents in a portfolio that touch 3GPP - Companies preparing licensing negotiations or a patent pool submission - Companies, and their counsel, that have received a list of patents with a demand letter or licensing offer - Patent attorneys drafting continuation or divisional claims against the standard's wording
Can I review patents asserted against me?
Yes. Enter up to 20 patent numbers in one order and the candidate specs for each are shown for free before you pay. Each report lists the matching standard text per element, the elements with no counterpart, and the release each clause entered the standard in, to set against the patent's priority date. Reports do not cover whether your product actually implements the feature, or whether a chip or module supplier's licence covers it. Use them to prepare for your counsel's review.
How is SEPPi different from other claim chart tools?
In three ways: - Every citation is pinned to a spec, version and clause, so anyone can find the same evidence again. - It shows standard text and unmatched elements instead of scores or probabilities. - You pay per report, with no subscription or annual commitment.
How much does it cost?
One report (one independent claim) is $139. This is the Early Access price until December 31, 2026; the regular price is $179. Each further independent claim of the same patent is $59. Your first report is free when you sign up with a company email. Payment and refunds are covered on the pricing page.
Is it safe to upload an unfiled specification?
An uploaded specification is kept in private storage, opens only from your own account, and is used for your own report only. The copy made on the analysis server is deleted once the report is finished, and the original file is destroyed when you delete your account. The security page has the details.