PATENTS


File patent applications electronically

Other Links

EPAVE FEE DTD (25Sep2003) >> upgrade now

New fee amounts. The USPTO is implementing a fee increase effective October 1, 2003. New users should download ePAVE 5.1a which includes the new fees codes. Current EFS users can simply download the DTD file and copy it to the epave/Def/Dtd_xsl folder on or after 1 October 2003. See the OG Notice dated August 5, 2003, for more information.

Download XPort >> This tool works with ePAVE to convert specifications created using PASAT and prior U.S. document type definitions to a format that meets international formatting standards. (14Apr2003)

Check the System Alerts for announcements of all planned and unplanned outages of Online Business systems.

>> Patent E-Filing Partners (20Aug2003)

What is EFS?

EFS is electronic system for submitting patent applications, computer readable format (CRF) biosequence listings, and pre-grant publication submissions to the USPTO via the Internet.

It includes

authoring tools to help the applicant prepare a patent specification in XML format
a software package called ePAVE (electronic packaging and validation engine) to assemble the various parts of the application and transmit the application to USPTO over the Internet
a digital certificate to secure the transmission of the application to the USPTO

What type of submissions can be filed with EFS?

EFS can be used to submit

New utility patent applications
Provisional applications
Biosequence listings for applications previously filed in paper
Pre-grant publication resubmissions for previously filed applications, where the applicant wants an amended, redacted, voluntary, or republication specification to be published rather than the application as originally filed
Subsequent bio-sequence submissions
Multiple assignments
Electronic Information Disclosure Statements (eIDS)

At this time EFS does not accept

Design applications
New plant applications
Corrected or revised patent application republications per 37 CFR 1.221(b)
Reissue applications
International Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications
Reexamination requests

When can submissions be filed with EFS?

EFS Submissions will be accepted between the hours of 6 AM ET Sunday and 11 PM ET Saturday.

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.