EFS-Web Announcements

EFS-Web logoAll customers are encouraged to register so they are ready to use the full features of EFS-Web for Registered eFilers and Private PAIR.

For questions/comments or further assistance on any announcement below, please send an e-mail to ebc@uspto.gov or call the Patent Electronic Business Center at 1-866-217-9197 (toll-free) or 571-272-4100 from 6 a.m. to 12 Midnight Eastern Time, Monday - Friday.

EFS-Web Availability:
 
 
Check System Status Page for Current Status

 

New Applications: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Follow-on Submissions: 23 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year . Unavailable daily from 4:30AM - 5:30AM ET
Fee Payment (Stored Payment Method via USPTO Payment Page (Financial Manager)): 23.5 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Unavailable daily from 12:01AM to 12:30AM

Advisory (19DEC2018): EFS-Web and Private PAIR authentication change: PKI termination date  

EFS-Web and Private PAIR users will no longer be able to authenticate using PKI certificates as of February 15, 2019. There is now a new, simpler, and safer login method. The USPTO is moving from using PKI certificates for two-factor authentication because the software will no longer be supported.

Creating an account

If you or your support staff do not already have USPTO.gov accounts, you and each of your staff will need to create one and opt in for two-step authentication. 

Migrating an existing account

If you are a registered practitioner or independent inventor with an existing PKI digital certificate, use the Migration Tool with these step-by-step instructions to link your new USPTO.gov account to your current PKI digital certificates. The Migration Tool will no longer be available as of March 1, 2019.

Sponsoring support staff

Registered practitioners can use the Sponsorship Tool to sponsor their support staff to work on their behalf. Please follow these step-by-step instructions. Once support staff are successfully sponsored, they will be able to sign in using their own USPTO.gov accounts and select the registered practitioner on whose behalf that they are working.

Using your new account

Use these new URLs for EFS-Web and Private PAIR when signing in with your USPTO.gov account. You will need to update any bookmarks you may have:

More Information

Please review the Patent Electronic System Access Document for additional information on authentication, sponsorship, and verification for accessing patent electronic systems.

We invite you to register for multiple information sessions related to this authentication change, because new information will be added as it becomes available. 

For more information, visit Authentication Change for EFS-Web and PAIR.

If you need assistance creating your USPTO.gov account, please call the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 800-786-9199. For assistance with migration, sponsorship, or signing into EFS-Web and PAIR, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197.

 

 Advisory (01NOV2018): EFS-Web and Private PAIR authentication change: Sponsorship tool now available

All EFS-Web and Private PAIR users now have a new, safer, and simpler login. The USPTO is moving from using PKI certificates for two-factor authentication because the software will no longer be supported.

The Sponsorship Tool is now available for existing registered practitioners to sponsor their support staff to work on their behalf. Please follow the step-by-step instructions to sponsor support staff. Once support staff are successfully sponsored, they will be able to sign in using their own USPTO.gov account and select the registered practitioner that they are working on behalf of. Please review the Patent Electronic System Access Document for additional information on authentication, sponsorship, and verification for accessing patent electronic systems.

Creating an account

If you or your support staff do not already have USPTO.gov accounts, each of your will need to create one and opt-in for two-step authentication. 

Migrating an existing account

If you are a registered practitioner or independent inventor with an existing PKI digital certificate, use our migration tool with these step-by-step instructions to link your new USPTO.gov account to your current PKI digital certificate.

Using your new account

There are new URLs for EFS-Web and Private PAIR when signing in using your USPTO.gov account. You will need to update any bookmarks you may have:

More Information

Please review the Patent Electronic System Access Document for additional information on authentication, sponsorship, and verification for accessing patent electronic systems.

We invite you to register for multiple information sessions related to this authentication change, because new information will be added as it becomes available. 

For more information, visit Authentication Change for EFS-Web and PAIR.

If you need assistance creating your USPTO.gov account, please call the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 800-786-9199. For assistance with migration, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197.

Advisory (02OCT2018): Authentication Changes

EFS-Web and Private PAIR users may now log-in through the new, simpler, and safer USPTO.gov account. The Migration Tool is now available for Registered Practitioners and Independent Inventors to link their existing PKI certificate with their USPTO.gov account following a step-by-step process. Support staff using the PKI certificate of a Registered Practitioner should not migrate; please continue to sign-in with PKI certificates until the Sponsorship Tool becomes available in November.

Important: USPTO.gov accounts must be opted in to two-step authentication before migrating.

Advisory (30AUG2018): Alternative Electronic Filing Method

Applicants who filed a patent application between August 15 and August 23, 2018, other than by EFS-Web or EFS-Web Contingency, may now request a refund of the non-electronic filing fee. Please see Federal Register Notice: Filing Patent Applications Electronically During Designated Significant Outages of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Electronic Business Systems.

A USPTO form, PTO/SB/448, should be used and is available at https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sb0448.pdf. When attaching the form, please use EFS-Web document description "Refund Request for Papers Filed During a Designated Outage”.

>>Information for completing alternative electronic filing and requesting a refund


If you need assistance with electronic filing, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197. For legal or policy questions about the procedure, please contact the Office of Patent Legal Administration at 571-272-7701.

 

Advisory (27AUG2018): Authentication Changes

EFS-Web and Private PAIR users will have a new, safer, and simpler log-in through a USPTO.gov account beginning in October 2018. The new method saves time by granting access to multiple USPTO systems with one consolidated sign-in, and eliminates shared credentials by providing practitioner and support staff with their own.

Getting a USPTO.gov account is quick and easy.

If you don’t have a USPTO.gov account, all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit https://account.uspto.gov/profile/create-account?domain=efsweb
  2. Select “Create an account.”
  3. Enter the email address you will use to sign in, as well as other necessary account information, and follow the prompt.
  4. Opt-in to two-step authentication
  5. Once the tools are available, set up migration and sponsorship

If you use Financial Manager, you already have a USPTO.gov account.

  • Just opt-in to two-step authentication.
  • Once the tools are available, set up migration and sponsorship.

For additional information, please visit https://www.uspto.gov/AuthenticationChange

If you need any assistance creating your USPTO.gov account, please call the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 800-786-9199. For assistance with migration and sponsorship when the tools are available, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197. 

 

Advisory (21AUG2018): USPTO System Maintenance

Due to system maintenance starting on Tuesday, August 21 at 10:00 PM ET, EFS-Web for Registered eFilers and Private PAIR will be unavailable. We anticipate that they will be back online tomorrow morning.

During the maintenance period, applicants may file new applications, except for National Stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371, via EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers or EFS-Web Contingency.

If you need to file a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 or a follow-on submission to an existing application during the maintenance period, please use an alternative filing method.

Additional information and updates will be posted on the USPTO Systems Status and Availability at http://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.

Advisory (6FEB2018): General Advisory on Issue Fee Amounts

The issue fee amount is based on the Notice of Allowance date, except for international (Hague) design applications as discussed separately below.  A Notice of Allowance dated prior to January 16, 2018 specifies an issue fee amount based on the previous fee schedule and only that amount is due.  Issue fee amounts based on the current USPTO Fee Schedule apply to applications having a Notice of Allowance dated on or after January 16, 2018.

Notices of Allowance mailed between January 16, 2018 and January 18, 2018 may display an incorrect fee amount (the pre-January 16, 2018 amount).  Corrected Notices of Allowance will be mailed in those applications for which the issue fee has not already been paid.  Applicants will need to respond to the Corrected Notice of Allowance as specified therein.  Applicants may pay the correct issue fee at any time during the period set forth in the Notice of Allowance or in the Corrected Notice of Allowance. 

For international design applications, the issue fee amount is based on the international registration date.  The issue fee amount due for an international design application having an international registration date before January 16, 2018 will be the amount specified in the previous fee schedule (where the issue fee is paid directly to the USPTO).  The issue fee amount due for an international design application having an international registration date on or after January 16, 2018 will be the amount specified in the current USPTO Fee Schedule (where the issue fee is paid directly to the USPTO).  Notices of Allowance that were created between January 17, 2018 and February 2, 2018 may display an incorrect fee amount (the higher amount associated with an international registration date of January 16, 2018 or later).  Corrected Notices of Allowance will be mailed in those applications.  Applicants will need to respond to the Corrected Notice of Allowance as specified therein.

For questions regarding Issue Fee amount calculation, please contact the Application Assistance Unit at 888-786-0101 or HelpAAU@uspto.gov .

For assistance with PAIR or EFS-Web, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov

Advisory(1FEB18): PDF ePetition Retirement

Effective Feb. 1, 2018,  PDF-based ePetitions are no longer available. Please use the Web-based ePetition version for these petitions:

  • Petition to Make Special based on Age (37 CFR 1.102) and
  • Petition to Accept Unintentional Delayed Payment of the Maintenance Fee (37 CFR 1.378(b)).

 

Advisory(12Jan18): Changes to ePetitions:

Effective Feb. 1,  the USPTO is retiring the PDF-based ePetitions for the Petition to Make Special based on Age (37 CFR 1.102) and the "Petition to Accept Unintentional Delayed Payment of the Maintenance Fee (37 CFR 1.378(b)). The web-based version of these ePetitions, which provide enhanced functionality, will continue to be available for both types of petitions. For more information on ePetitions, see the ePetitions Resource page.

 

Advisory(01Sept17): New DOCX and XML Features Coming Soon

Effective on Sunday, September 10, 2017, EFS-Web Registered and Private PAIR users will have access to new DOCX and XML features. The features include the ability for applicants to file structured text via EFS-Web, access structured text submissions, structured text Office actions, and XML downloads via Private PAIR. These features have been available to participants in the eMod Text Pilot Program since August 2016 and updates were made based on participant feedback.

To implement the new features, EFS-Web, EFS-Web Contingency, and Private and Public PAIR will be unavailable Sunday, 9/10/2017 starting at 12:01 AM ET, and ending by 5:00 AM ET.

During this outage, if you need to file patent applications or submissions, please use an alternative filing method. When systems are available, notification will be posted on the USPTO Systems Status and Availability at http://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/

For additional information, please see the associated Quick Start Guides:

If you have any questions or need assistance filing via EFS-Web or PAIR, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.

 

Advisory: Important Information Regarding eTerminal Disclaimer for Applications Filed on/or After September 16, 2012 (21Jul2017)

For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, only the applicant may disclaim.  See 35 U.S.C. 253 and 37 CFR 1.321.  In order to use the electronic Terminal Disclaimer (eTD) that is automatically processed in EFS-Web, the named applicant in the application must be the owner of 100% of the entire right, title and interest, or if partial owners, all parties who together make up 100% of the entire right, title and interest.  In other words, inventors named as the applicant cannot disclaim unless they are also the owners.  Likewise, an assignee who is not named as the applicant cannot disclaim without first becoming the applicant by filing a request to change the applicant under 37 CFR 1.46(c).  NOTE: The system does not verify the assignee/applicant information, it relies on submitter’s certification.

The electronic Terminal Disclaimer (eTD) can only be used if:

  1. the inventor(s) named as the applicant in the application own(s) 100% of the entire right, title and interest;
  2. the assignee and/or obligated assignee named as the applicant in the application owns 100% of the entire right, title and interest; or
  3. some combination of inventor(s) and partial assignee(s) named as the applicant in the application together own 100% of the entire right, title and interest.

 

Advisory (4/3/2017): EFS-Web Issue Resolved -- Wrong General Deposit Account Number Displayed on Electronic Acknowledgement Receipts

If you received an Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt with an incorrect general deposit account number for fee pre-authorizations(s), a corrected receipt is now available in the application’s Image File Wrapper (IFW) andviewable in Private PAIR with the document description  “EFS Acknowledgment Receipt (Corrected)” (doc code: N417.CORR).

EFS-Web submissions were impacted if they met ALL of the following criteria:

  • The EFS-Web submission was submitted between June 2, 2016 – September 17, 2016;

  • A general deposit account was applied to authorize the Office to charge any missing fees;

  • Payment was processed using the new payment system, Financial Manager; and

  • Payment method for online processing was different than the general deposit account number, i.e., (1) you paid with credit/debit card or EFT and applied a general deposit account; or

    (2) you paid with a deposit account and used a different deposit account for pre-authorization.

If you received an adverse action as a result of this error, please contact the business unit that sent the action.  If you have questions, please contact the EBC (Patent Electronic Business Center) at 1-866-217-9197, Monday through Friday from 6AM - Midnight ET, or email ebc@uspto.gov. 

 

New Interim Authentication Method for EFS-Web and PAIR Access via Firefox

Firefox released Firefox 52 on March 7, 2017. This iteration dropped support for NPAPI (including the Java plug-in), which impacts your ability to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR because Java is required for authentication into these systems. Additional information regarding Java and Firefox.

New Interim Authentication Method to Use Firefox

To continue using Firefox to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR, please use the new interim authentication method Java Web Start, which requires the latest Java 8 version.

Upon entering EFS-Web or Private PAIR in your web browser, select the “Authenticate with Java Web Start (new method)” link, which will launch a new window. Input your .epf file, password, select the checkbox next to “I understand…”, and click the Authenticate button. If successful, the Authenticate Java Web Start window will close and allow you to access EFS-Web or Private PAIR in your browser.  

For additional information and instructions on using the Interim Authentication method, please visit EFS-Web and PAIR System Requirements, under the Java Web Start section.

The USPTO is working on a longer term, permanent authentication method, to improve the overall authentication process. If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at (866) 217-9197 or send an email to EBC@uspto.gov.

 

New Interim DCM Tool Now Available (07MAR2017)

The new interim solution, which has been available for EFS-Web and Private PAIR authentication since October 2016, is now available for Digital Certificate Manager (DCM) as well. This interim solution provides a new, plug-in-free option for users to authenticate and manage their PKI certificates, and will expand browser options until a new, permanent solution is in place. While you can continue to use the existing method (Java Applet), the new authentication method will be available for use.

If You Want to Use the New DCM Method - Java Web Start

This interim solution uses Java Web Start technology, allowing users to authenticate into EFS-Web, Private PAIR, and DCM utilizing their current digital certificate. The new option provides users more flexibility in browser choice as it reduces the dependency on the Java Applet plug-in.

To use the Java Web Start option, you must have version 8 of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software installed.

Upon entering DCM in your web browser, select the “Digital Certificate Management with Java Web Start (new method)” link, which will launch a new window that shows multiple options for DCM functions. Depending on which function you select, the additional information required will vary. Some functions, such as “Register for Recovery Codes” will require you to input your .epf file, password, select the checkbox  next to “I understand…”,  and click the Authenticate button.

Additional information and instructions on using the Interim Authentication and DCM method, please visit EFS-Web and PAIR System Requirements, under the Java Web Start section.

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.


USPTO Systems Maintenance on February 28 (21FEB2017) 

Due to maintenance, EFS-Web (Registered), Private PAIR, and Digital Certificate Manager will be unavailable Tuesday, 2/28/2017 starting at 12:01 a.m. ET, and ending by 5:00 AM ET.

When systems are available, notification will be posted on the USPTO Systems Status and Availability at http://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/

EFS-Web Applicants

During the maintenance period, applicants may file new applications using EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers or use an alternative filing method.

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.

 

USPTO Systems Maintenance on February 26 (13FEB2017)

Due to maintenance, EFS-Web, EFS-Web Contingency, and Private and Public PAIR will be unavailable Sunday, 2/26/2017 starting at 12:01 AM ET, and ending by 11:59 PM ET.

When systems are available, notification will be posted on the USPTO Systems Status and Availability at http://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/

EFS-Web Applicants

During the maintenance period, if you need to file patent applications or submissions, please use an alternative filing method.

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.
 


Advisory: Wrong General Deposit Account Number Displayed on Electronic Acknowledgement Receipts (09FEB2017)

Due to an integration issue with the new payment system, Financial Manager, electronic Acknowledgement Receipts for EFS-Web submissions between June 2, 2016 – September 17, 2016, may display the wrong general deposit account number for fee pre-authorization(s).

To address this issue, the USPTO is generating corrected Acknowledgement Receipts that display updated general deposit account information to replace the previously generated Acknowledgement Receipts that have the wrong deposit account number in the respective application’s Image File Wrapper (IFW). By March 2017, the corrected receipts will be visible in Private PAIR with the document description of “EFS Acknowledgment Receipt (Corrected)” (doc code: N417.CORR), therefore it is not necessary for applicants to request a corrected Acknowledgement Receipt. 

EFS-Web submissions are impacted if they meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • The EFS-Web submission was submitted between June 2, 2016 – September 17, 2016;

  • A general deposit account was applied to authorize the Office to charge any missing fees;

  • Payment was processed using the new payment system, Financial Manager; and

  • Payment method for online processing was different than the general deposit account number, i.e., (1) you paid with credit/debit card or EFT and applied a general deposit account; or (2) you paid with a deposit account and used a different deposit account for pre-authorization.

If you received an adverse action as a result of this error, please contact the business unit that sent the action.  If you have questions, please contact the EBC (Patent Electronic Business Center) at 1-866-217-9197, Monday through Friday from 6AM - Midnight ET, or email ebc@uspto.gov.


eTerminal Disclaimer Quick Start Guide Update (23JAN2017)

For additional clarity the EFS-Web Quick Start Guide for eTerminal Disclaimers has been updated with the following language: 

In accordance with MPEP 1490 V and 37 CFR 1.321, Terminal Disclaimers (including eTerminal Disclaimers) will only be considered in compliance with the requirements when filed into a PENDING Nonprovisional Utility application (including national stage and reissue) or PENDING Design application (including reissue).  If an eTerminal Disclaimer is filed after payment of the issue fee but before the patent grant date, a request for Certificate of Correction must be filed requesting that the face of the patent be amended to state --This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

If you require assistance filing an eTerminal Disclaimer via EFS-Web please contact the Electronic Business Center at 1-866-217-9197 Monday through Friday, from 6AM-Midnight ET.

EFS-Web and EFS-Web Contingency Maintenance (31OCT2016)

EFS-Web and EFS-Web Contingency will undergo maintenance and will be unavailable beginning at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, November 5 and ending at 6 a.m., Sunday, November 6 ET.

If you need to file a new application, follow-on submission, or fees during the maintenance period, please use an alternative filing method.

NOTE: Saved submission packages created prior to this maintenance period may not work properly afterward. To avoid potential loss of saved data, please submit saved submissions before 12:01 a.m., Saturday, November 5. If you have any questions, please contact the Patent EBC at (866) 217-9197 or EBC@uspto.gov 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight ET, Monday through Friday.

USPTO Systems Maintenance (18OCT2016)

Due to system maintenance in support of the new interim authentication method, EFS-Web, Private PAIR, and Digital Certificate Management tools will be unavailable Monday, October 24 starting at 12:01 a.m. ET, and ending by 6:00 AM ET.

When systems are available, notification will be posted on the USPTO Systems Status and Availability at http://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/

EFS-Web Applicants

During the maintenance period, applicants may file new applications using EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers or use an alternative filing method.

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at 1-866-217-9197 or ebc@uspto.gov.

EFS-Web Payment System Update (17OCT2016)

All payments via EFS-Web will be processed using the "New USPTO Payment System". The legacy Payment System and old credentials (e.g., deposit account number and access code) have been removed. Deposit account customers must have Fee Payer permission to see their name on the list of authorized users. Learn more on the Fee Payment Quick Start Guide

 Additional information is available in the  EFS-Web Quick Start Guide to Fee Payments.

More information about Financial Manager can be found by visiting www.uspto.gov/financialmanager.  For additional assistance, please send an email to feeshelp@uspto.gov or call 1-800-786-9199 and select option 3, then option 4.

EFS-Web: Interim Authentication Solution Update and Java Reminder (11OCT2016)

As a reminder, EFS-Web and Private PAIR users should have the latest Java 8 version, which is needed for the current authentication Java Applet.

On October 24th, a new interim authentication method using Java Web Start will be available to provide access to EFS-Web and Private PAIR. You must have Java 8 to use the new Java Web Start authentication method. The interim authentication solution provides a new, plug-in-free option for users to authenticate, and will expand browser options until a new permanent solution is in place. While you can continue to authenticate using the existing method (Java Applet), you will be given an option to utilize the new method.

This interim solution uses Java Web Start technology, allowing users to authenticate into EFS-Web and Private PAIR utilizing their current digital certificate. The new option will provide users more flexibility in browser choice as it reduces the dependency on the Java Applet plug-in. Digital Certificate Management (DCM) tools will also be supported on Java Web Start in a subsequent release.

A new permanent authentication method is currently under development. For additional information regarding these authentication methods, please visit EFS-Web/PAIR System Requirements.

If you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at (866) 217-9197 or send an email to EBC@uspto.gov. To provide feedback, please email us at eMod@uspto.gov, or you can visit our eCommerce Modernization web page.

Upcoming Changes to EFS-Web Payments for Deposit Accounts and EFTs (13SEPT2016)

On Oct. 17, EFS-Web customers who use a deposit account or EFT for paying fees must be using Financial Manager to store the payment method and to manage user access to the payment method.  Deposit accounts and EFTs that are not stored in Financial Manager as of Oct. 17 will no longer be viable payment options for customers. In addition, customers must have established a uspto.gov account and be set-up with the Fee Payer permission in order to use the payment method. 

Starting Oct. 17, the USPTO will process all EFS-Web payments via the new USPTO payment page only. All deposit accounts and EFTs must be stored in Financial Manager and customers must have Fee Payer permission in order to make a payment.

Customers will see a phased approach to this change beginning on Sept. 19, when deposit account customers who are not assigned the Fee Payer permission on the deposit account being used for payment will no longer see their name on the list of authorized users. Customers impacted by this change should contact their deposit account Administrator to be added as a Fee Payer before Oct. 17, when the ability to pay with old credentials (i.e. deposit account number and access code) will be completely removed as an option in EFS-Web.

EFT users must also store their EFT in Financial Manager and/or be assigned the Fee Payer permission on that EFT before Oct. 17, to avoid losing access to use the EFT as a payment method.

Get Familiar with the New Payment Page

Today, you can select the option to pay with "New USPTO Payment System." Additional information is available in the Introduction to the New USPTO Payment Page.

More information about Financial Manager can be found by visiting www.uspto.gov/financialmanager.  For additional assistance, please send an email to feeshelp@uspto.gov or call 1-800-786-9199 and select option 3, then option 4.

Financial Manager Payment Option Changes (11AUG2016) 
 
Effective Monday, Aug 15, when paying in the new Financial Manager payment page, you will no longer be able to use a USPTO Deposit Account or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) account that is not stored in Financial Manager, i.e., you will not be able to type in your DA/EFT account number.
 
The existing EFS-Web payment process will continue to be available in the short-term to allow customers to transition to the new payment system, but will eventually be phased out.  If you'd like to speak with a help desk representative regarding Financial Manager, you can send an email to FeesHelp@USPTO.gov or call the USPTO Contact Center at 1-800-786-9199 (select option 3, then option 4). – More Info
 

Migrate Existing Deposit Account and EFT Accounts

The deadline to move your existing USPTO deposit accounts and electronic funds transfers (EFT) to Financial Manager is Aug 5, 2016. Make sure your payment methods remain in good standing. If you'd like to speak with a help desk representative regarding Financial Manager, you can send an email to FeesHelp@USPTO.gov or call the USPTO Contact Center at 1-800-786-9199 (select option 3, then option 4). – More Info

Now Available (2June2016):

Customers can pay fees from EFS-Web using the USPTO’s new stored payment system, Financial Manager. With an uspto.gov account, you can save your credit/debit card, EFT, and/or deposit account info as a stored payment method, avoiding the need to enter detailed information for each transaction. Please visit the Financial Manager page to learn more about getting started.

NOTE: The existing EFS-Web payment process will continue to be available in the short-term to allow customers to transition to the new payment system, but will eventually be phased out. Additional details about retiring the existing EFS-Web payment process will be posted when available.

For guidance on how to pay fees from EFS-Web using a stored payment method through USPTO’s Financial Manager, please see the Quick Start Guide.

Advisory (09FEB2016):

 Oracle recently announced that the Java plugin will be deprecated in version 9 of Java. Java 9 will be released in March 2017 with the Java plugin functionality still available.  Users will be able to authenticate in EFS-Web and Private PAIR until Oracle removes the Java plugin in a future release. The USPTO is committed to ensuring that EFS-Web and Private PAIR are accessible to users. The USPTO is actively pursuing an alternative authentication technology that will not use the Java plugin. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Electronic Business Center at 1-866-217-9197 or at ebc@uspto.gov. 

New Features (21DEC2015):

USPTO has implemented the following new features in EFS-Web based on user feedback:

(1) Corrected Web-based Application Data Sheet (Corrected Web ADS) -- Registered eFilers may use this option to provide a Corrected/Updated ADS per 37 CFR 1.76(c)(2), where changes will be identified with underlining for insertions and strike-through for text removal. EFS-Web will generate and attach the Corrected ADS PDF. See Quick Start Guide.

(2) Enhanced Initial Web-based Application Data Sheet (Web ADS). EFS-Web eFilers who have been granted power of attorney may retrieve Inventor Information, Domestic Benefit/National Stage data, and/or Foreign Priority data from a parent application when completing their Web ADS submission. See Quick Start Guide.

Import Data for ADS (14DEC2015):

Due to a change in the Adobe software used to create PDF fillable forms, the "Import Data" function is unavailable in the new ADS PDF fillable form. We are working with the vendor to troubleshoot this problem and apologize for any inconvenience.

Web-ADS Saved Submissions (25NOV2015):

EFS-Web will use a revised Web-ADS starting on November 30, 2015 to facilitate applicant's authorization of access to unpublished U.S. patent applications by foreign intellectual property offices.  If you saved a Web-ADS form prior to November 30 and retrieve it on or after November 30, your Web ADS saved submission will display in the revised Web ADS version.  

Application Data Sheet (ADS) Form PTO/AIA/14 Revision (16NOV2015):

The Application Data Sheet (ADS) form PTO/AIA/14 has been revised and is now posted on the USPTO patents forms page for submission on or after November 30, 2015. The changes to the ADS form were announced in the Federal Register. See Changes to Facilitate Applicant’s Authorization of Access to Unpublished U.S. Patent Applications by Foreign Intellectual Property Offices; found on http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-10-27/pdf/2015-27335.pdf Final Rule (October 27, 2015).

Applicants are no longer required to select an opt-in check box on the ADS form to provide the USPTO with authorization to permit a foreign intellectual property office participating in the priority document exchange (PDX) program access to a U.S. priority application. Instead, the revised ADS form contains by default the authorization to permit access to the U.S. priority application via the PDX program. Including a properly signed ADS form on filing will provide applicant’s authorization for the PDX program. Should applicant wish not to provide authorization for the PDX program, applicant can select the opt-out check box for this authorization on the ADS form. The revised ADS form also contains by default the authorization to permit access to the search results from a U.S. priority application by the European Patent Office (EPO). Like the PDX program, should applicant wish not to provide the EPO access to the search results, applicant can select the opt-out check box for this authorization on the ADS form.

Please note that a revised ADS form submitted after the filing of an application CANNOT be used to provide or revoke any of the authorizations to permit access discussed above. Instead, forms PTO/SB/39 and PTO/SB/69, as applicable, should be used to provide or revoke these authorizations to permit access after the filing of an application.

New Feature (27SEPT2015):

Based on user feedback, registered patent practitioners granted power of attorney in an application now have a new option when submitting the Issue Fee Transmittal (PTOL/85b) to pay their issue fee.  This new Web 85b feature offers the ability to complete and generate the 85b transmittal form using our Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web). In conjunction with this new filing option the following automated processes have been included:

  • Change of Correspondence Address,
  • Change of Fee Address, and
  • Change in Entity Status

These changes are updated immediately upon successful submission.

The Web 85b feature is available in EFS-Web for Registered eFilers, in the Main Functions menu under “Existing application/patent/proceeding”, “eProcessing”, “Web Based Issue Fee Payment (Web 85b)”.

For more information, see Quick Start Guide for EFS-Web Issue -Fee Transmittal (Web 85b).

For assistance with filing Web 85b or to suggest improvements, please call the Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free) or send an email to EBC@uspto.gov.

Advisory (03SEPT2015):

 In response to user feedback, the Web-based ePetition to Make Special based on Age (37 CFR 1.102) is now available for both Registered and Unregistered EFS-Web filers. This feature can be accessed from the Main Functions menu by selecting "Existing application/patent", "ePetition", and "Petition to make special based on age" under the Web-based ePetitions section.  Information for this ePetition is entered into a secure Web interface, so petitioners are not required to download, complete, and attach the SB/130 PDF form. Submitted ePetitions are automatically processed and immediately granted upon submission if all requirements are met.

The PDF-based "ePetition to Make Special based on Age" remains available.

If you have questions about filing this ePetition, please contact the Patent EBC at (866) 217-9197 or send an email to EBC@uspto.gov.

Advisory (03AUGUST2015): 

For users who are updating their operating systems to Windows 10, please be aware that Windows 10 comes installed with a new web browser, Microsoft Edge, that does not support plug-ins and will not run Java.  Because Java is required for authentication to EFS-Web and Private PAIR, this impacts your ability to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR via Microsoft Edge.

To access EFS-Web and Private PAIR using Windows 10, Oracle is recommending the use of alternative browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer. IE11 will also be available on Windows10.  For additional information regarding Java compatibility and instructions on how to access IE11 on Windows 10, please visit: http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/win10_faq.xml

The USPTO is working on a longer term plan to improve the overall authentication process. For USPTO updates regarding this issue please visit either of our Announcements pages:

• EFS – Web Announcements: http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/applying-online/efs-web-announcements
• PAIR Announcements: http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/checking-application-status/pair-announcements

If you need assistance with this matter, or have questions on any eFiling topic, please visit the Patent Electronic Business Center webpage: http://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patent-electronic-business-center for comprehensive contact information, FAQ’s, and other eFiling resources.

 

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