EFS-Web Benefits

• EFS-Web is safe. Filings made with EFS-Web provide you with the same legal protection as paper-based filings. You receive an electronic receipt and confirmation, as well as the ability to print the receipt for your records, affirming your receipt date.
  
• EFS-Web is simple. Even the largest and most complex patent applications can be submitted by attaching PDF files and filling out a few simple web screens.
  
• EFS-Web is secure . EFS-Web submissions are protected through state-of-the-art security methods, including Transport Layer Security (TLS), and if you sign up as a registered filer, Digital Certificates, one of the most secure methods now available.
  
• EFS-Web is fast. In just a few minutes and using a few web screens, you can submit a patent application, pay for your filing and receive an acknowledgment receipt.
  
• EFS-Web is flexible. EFS-Web requires you to make no changes to the tools, processes or workflows you use to author patent applications and documents. Filing with EFS-Web does not require you to learn how to use new authoring tools.
  
• EFS-Web is forgiving. EFS-Web validates whether the PDF files and data you’re trying to file can be accepted before they are submitted. If there’s a problem, EFS-Web will tell you why the document can’t be submitted – allowing you to take corrective action quickly.

Registered and Unregistered Filers

While EFS-Web gives anyone who accesses the site the ability to submit patent applications and documents, you can get more benefit from the system as a registered filer, including filing follow-on papers and saving the package before submission. Registering is easy and can be done by submitting paper forms to the Patent Electronic Business Center, which will then issue a Digital Certificate that authenticates your identity.

Security

EFS-Web is a secure hosted application, no matter whether you are a registered or an unregistered filer. If you file as an unregistered filer, your documents will be transmitted using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. If you choose to register, in addition to transmission through TLS, access to your non-public filing records is protected through a Public Key Infrastructure system that provides for authentication (proof that you are authorized to access the records) and the issuance of a session cookie that permits you to access all secure portal services that you have the authority to use.

Built-In File Validation

EFS-Web automatically validates files and informs you before submission whether your application meets USPTO standards. If it doesn’t meet standards, you’ll be notified of the problem so you can take corrective action before final submission.

Online Payment of Fees

EFS-Web allows you to pay filing fees in an e-commerce environment, smoothing the process and allowing you to select the payment option that you desire.

 Valid Electronic Receipt

EFS-Web provides an Acknowledgement Receipt that contains critical information, including a time and date stamp, an application number and a confirmation number. This electronic receipt may be printed, and it carries the security and authority of the Post Card receipt commonly provided in paper-filed applications.

Public/Private PAIR Integration

EFS-Web submissions are viewable in Public/Private PAIR just like paper applications. If you are a registered filer, your patent applications and documents are available in Private PAIR in a short time.