How to file using EFS

Preparing to use EFS

1. If you do not have one, obtain a USPTO customer number
2. Choose the type of digital certificate you would like to use to file your application
3. Set up your "EFS Workstation" (see system requirements)
4. Install USPTO-provided EFS software
5. Acquire software (scanner, if needed) to create image files in the TIFF standard format

Authoring a specification

1. Select an application
2. Create image files (e.g. drawings, declaration)
3. Author the specification text using the USPTO-provided XML based MS Word® tool (PASAT) or Wordperfect® template
4. Use the X-Port tool to select specifications created using PASAT in order to convert them to specifications that conform to Annex F. The application-body document type definition (application-body.dtd) was agreed to by the USPTO, WIPO, EPO and JPO.
5. Attach your application related image files
6. Save as an XML document using the EFS software
7. Review your application submission
   • Run the verification tool to ensure completeness of content prior to submission

Submission

Using ePAVE software provided by USPTO:

1. Complete XML documents such as:
   • Fee information
   • Transmittal information
   • Patent application bibliographic information
   • Declaration
   • Power-of-Attorney (if necessary)
     
2. Attach electronic documents and image files created in the authoring step above such as:
   • Specification and other XML documents
   • Declaration TIFF image file

• Validate the completeness of the submission
• Automatically bundle, compress, encrypt, digitally sign submission package
• Transmit submission package directly to the USPTO via the Internet

Acknowledgement Receipt

You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt from USPTO, which includes:

• Title of invention
• Patent application serial number
• Date/time of receipt
• List of all files submitted

KEY: =online business system  =fees =forms =help =laws/regulations =definition (glossary)

The Inventors Assistance Center is available to help you on patent matters. Send questions about the use of the Patent EFS to the Patent EBC Customer Service Center. Send general questions about USPTO programs and services to the USPTO Contact Center (UCC). You can suggest USPTO webpages or material you would like featured on this section by E-mail to the webmaster@uspto.gov . While we cannot promise to accommodate all requests, your suggestions will be considered and may lead to other improvements on the website.