Advisory (13APR2011): USPTO will be performing system maintenance starting at 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 and ending at 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 17. 
Applicants can file new patent applications via EFS-Web for Registered eFilers, EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers, and EFS-Web Contingency.
However, the following EFS-Web submission types will not be available:

• National Stage under 35 USC 371 applications
• Follow-on submissions to an existing application/patent, including RCEs, amendments, and auto-processed ePetitions
• Online fee payments

Advisory (05APR2011): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.6, 9.4.2, 9.4.3, and 10.0.1 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.5
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.4, and 9.4.1
• 10.0

Advisory (30MAR2011): The United States Patent and Trademark Office is pleased to announce the addition of eight new ePetitions to EFS-Web.  In addition to the two existing ePetitions, Petition to make special based on Age (37 CFR 1.102) and the Petition to Accept Unintentionally Delayed Payment of the Maintenance Fee (37 CFR 1.378(c)), the following ePetitions are available to users:

• Request for Withdrawal as Attorney or Agent of Record (37 CFR 1.36)
• Petition to Withdraw from Issue after Payment of the Issue Fee (37 CFR 1.313(c)(1) or (2))
• Petition to Withdraw from Issue after Payment of the Issue Fee (37 CFR 1.313(c)(3))
• Petition to Withdraw from Issue after Payment of the Issue Fee (37 CFR 1.313(c)(1) or (2) with Assigned Patent Number)
• Petition to Withdraw from Issue after Payment of the Issue Fee (37 CFR 1.313(c)(3) with Assigned Patent Number)
• Petition to Accept Late Payment of Issue Fee - Unintentional Late Payment (37 CFR 1.137(b))
• Petition for Revival of an Application based on Failure to Notify the Office of a Foreign or International Filing (37 CFR 1.137(f))
• Petition for Revival of an Application for Continuity Purposes Only (37 CFR 1.137(b))

>>For more information, please see the EFS-Web ePetition Resource Page.

Advisory (25MAR2011): The USPTO announced special accommodations for patent and trademark applicants, patentees, reeexamination parties, and trademark owners affected by the catastrophic events that took place in Japan. Patent applicants, patentees, and reexamination parties may fill out the “Certification and Request For Relief Due to Events of March 11, 2011, in Japan” form (SB/425) and file via EFS-Web using the document description “Certification and Request for Disaster Relief.”
>>For more information, please see the USPTO announcement and Press Release.

Advisory (20JAN2011): EFS-Web and Private PAIR will have new URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) 

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is upgrading the infrastructure of EFS-Web and Private PAIR in order to increase system capacity and stability.  As part of the upgrade, EFS-Web and Private PAIR will have new URLs (Uniform Resource Locators).

If you have bookmarks to EFS-Web and Private PAIR, please update your bookmarks on a date to be determined to the new URLs below. 

Please note, there is currently no need to make any changes to your bookmarks.

EFS-Web for Registered eFilers:

https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/myportal/efs-registered

EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers:

https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/portal/efs-unregistered 

EFS-Web Portal homepage:

https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/portal/home

Private PAIR:

https://ppair.uspto.gov/epatent/myportal/privatepair

Private PAIR Portal homepage:

https://ppair.uspto.gov/epatent/portal/home

After the system upgrade, applicants who access the old URLs, which start with “https://sportal.uspto.gov,” will be redirected to a Web page with the new URLs. Applicants who access EFS-Web and Private PAIR using links on the www.USPTO.gov homepage may continue to do so, as URLs on the homepage and EFS-Web and Private PAIR landing pages will be automatically updated.  The change will not affect any EFS-Web or Private PAIR functionality.

For further information regarding this update, please contact the EBC at 866-217-9197.

Advisory (18JAN2011): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.5
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.4, and 9.4.1

Advisory (12JAN2011): The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is upgrading the infrastructure of EFS-Web and Private PAIR in order to increase system capacity and stability.  As part of the upgrade, EFS-Web and Private PAIR will have new URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) beginning on Monday, January 31, 2011.

If you have bookmarks to EFS-Web and Private PAIR, please update your bookmarks on January 31 to the new URLs below. The new URLs will not be active until January 31.

1. EFS-Web for Registered eFilers:
   https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/myportal/efs-registered
2. EFS-Web for Unregistered eFilers:
   https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/portal/efs-unregistered 
3. EFS-Web Portal homepage:
   https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/portal/home
4. Private PAIR:
   https://ppair.uspto.gov/epatent/myportal/privatepair
5. Private PAIR Portal homepage:
   https://ppair.uspto.gov/epatent/portal/home

After the system upgrade, applicants who access the old URLs, which start with “https://sportal.uspto.gov,” will be redirected to a Web page with the new URLs. Applicants who access EFS-Web and Private PAIR using links on the www.USPTO.gov homepage may continue to do so, as URLs on the homepage and EFS-Web and Private PAIR landing pages will be automatically updated.  The change will not affect any EFS-Web or Private PAIR functionality. 

For further information regarding this update, please visit the FAQS here or contact the EBC at 866-217-9197.

 Advisory (09DEC2010): On Dec. 8, 2010, USPTO announced the Pilot Program for Extended Time Period To Reply to a Notice To File Missing Parts of Nonprovisional Application. Applicants may request participation in this program by filing the certification and request form (SB/421) via EFS-Web using document description "Certification and Request for Missing Parts Pilot".

>>For more information, please see the FR Notice.

Advisory (09DEC2010): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.5, 9.4, and 9.4.1 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, and 9.3.4

Advisory (10NOV2010): Effective immediately, applicants may request participation in the Peer Review Pilot FY2011 by filing the certification and request form (SB/422) via EFS-Web using document description "Request for Peer Review Pilot".

Advisory (10NOV2010): In response to applicant feedback, USPTO has updated the description for fee code 1814/2814 in EFS-Web to "Statutory or terminal disclaimer". Filers are reminded to use the document description "Terminal Disclaimer Filed" when attaching their terminal disclaimer form in EFS-Web.

Advisory (18OCT2010): New versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat (ver. 9.4 and 8.2.5) were released on October 5. These versions are currently not supported in EFS-Web Fillable Forms (e.g., ADS, IDS). An announcement will be posted about support for 9.4 and 8.2.5 once compatibility testing has been completed.
 
The following Acrobat and Reader versions are currently supported:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, and 9.3.4

If you need to download a supported version of Adobe Reader, please visit: http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

Advisory (30AUG2010):  EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.4 and 9.3.4 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
The following Acrobat and Reader versions are currently supported:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, and 9.3.3

Advisory (26JUL2010):  EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.3 and 9.3.3 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
The following Acrobat and Reader versions are currently supported:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, 9.3.1 and 9.3.2.

If you need to download a supported version of Adobe Reader, please visit: http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

Advisory (28JUN2010): Additional details and clarifications regarding the petition for extension of time are provided below. The EFS-Web FAQ on this topic will be updated in due course.

 

When paying the extension of time fee via EFS-Web, do I need to attach the petition for extension of time?
The submission of the extension of time fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(a) will be treated as a constructive petition for an extension of time in any concurrent reply requiring a petition for an extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) for its timely submission.  Therefore, a petition for extension of time is not required in this situation. 

Also, when applicant is filing a continuing application, a petition for an extension of time is not required, but the extension of time fee must be submitted in the parent application rather than in the continuing application.  The filing of a continuing application within the extended time period is considered a concurrent reply for the purposes of 37 CFR 1.136(a) for this situation.  Thus, a submission of the extension of time fee via EFS-Web in the parent application will be accepted as a constructive petition for an extension of time if a continuing application is filed within the extended period.

The Office, however, strongly recommends including a petition to avoid potential delays in processing. See MPEP 710.02(e).  Please note that if applicant is not filing a concurrent reply with the extension of time fee (nor filing a continuing application), a petition for an extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) is required when submitting the extension of time fee. 

Advisory (19May2010): In response to user feedback, USPTO has established a contingency option for applicants to e-file new applications when EFS-Web is unavailable due to an unscheduled system outage.  

Warning: EFS-Web Contingency does not permit follow-on documents and follow-on fee payments filed after the initial submission of the application or reexamination request. When an applicant improperly files a follow-on document as a new application via EFS-Web Contingency (or EFS-Web) and requests the USPTO to move the follow-on document to the appropriate application, a petition under 37 CRF 1.182 accompanied by the petition fee will be required.

To learn more about EFS-Web Contingency, please see:

>>EFS-Web Contingency Information Web page

>>Quick Start Guide 

>>Federal Register. Notice  

Advisory (03May2010): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.2 and 9.3.2 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4;
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2, 8.2.1;
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, 9.3, and 9.3.1. 

Advisory (23MAR2010):  A new document description has been added to EFS-Web for filing a request to use the computer readable form (CRF) of another application under 37 C.F.R. 1.821(e).  Please use the document description "Request for Transfer of a Computer Readable Form" when filing such a request where the document contains content pertaining solely to the request.  This document description should not be used for a document that includes the request along with content unrelated to the request, such as in a "Transmittal of New Application" document.  Applicants are encouraged to use new form PTO/SB/93 - "Request for Transfer of a Computer Readable Form Under 37 CFR 1.821(e)" - to file such a request. Form PTO/SB/93 is a fillable PDF form that is available at http://www.uspto.gov/forms/index.jsp#patent.  Reminder - a proper request to use the computer readable form (CRF) of another application also requires filing of a "Sequence Listing" under 37 C.F.R. 1.821(c), which if filed in EFS-Web with the request should be as a PDF file.  See section I1. of the "Legal Framework for EFS-Web" for more information (http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/New_legal_framework.jsp).
 

Advisory (3MAR2010): Please note that initial submissions for patent term extension under 35 U.S.C 156 are not permitted to be filed via EFS-Web. Accordingly, the document description "Patent Term Extension Application Under 35 USC 156" has been removed from EFS-Web. Registered eFilers may file second or subsequent submissions for patent term extension under 35 U.S.C 156 via EFS-Web using the document description "PTE Interim Patent Extension filed".

Advisory (22FEB10): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2.1 and 9.3.1 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4;
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.2;
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2, and 9.3.

Adobe software updates can be downloaded from the Adobe Web site at http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions.

Advisory (10FEB10): EFS-Web filers may use Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.2 and 9.3 to complete EFS-Web Fillable Forms (eADS, eIDS, etc.). Previous versions remain compatible:
• 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4;
• 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7;
• 9.0, 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.1.2, and 9.2.

ADVISORY (07NOV2008) : EFS-Web filers can now use the latest version of Adobe Reader, version 9.0, to complete EFS-Web fillable PDF forms. Submitting a  Form-Fillable PDF via EFS-Web provides auto-loading of data directly into USPTO databases. In addition, realtime auto-processing is available for the following e-Petitions:

- SB66 Petition to Accept Unintentionally Delayed Payment of Maintenance Fee in an Expired Patent (37 CFR 1.378(c))
- SB130 Petition to Make Special based on Age.

EFS-Web fillable PDF forms remain compatible with previous Adobe Reader versions 7.0.8, 7.0.9, 8.1.1, and 8.1.2.  Download Reader   9.0 from the Adobe Web site.

Advisory (07NOV08): Effective Nov. 1, 2008, applicants may select IP Australia (IPAU) as the International Search Authority (ISA) in international applications filed in the United States Receiving Office. International applications selecting IPAU as the ISA may be filed via EFS-Web. The ISA/AU search fee (Fee Code 1712) may also be paid via EFS-Web.

Advisory (24SEP08): The  http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/portal/efs/legal.htm EFS-Web Legal Framework has been updated to reflect enhancements introduced  in EFS-Web 1.4.

Advisory (03SEP2008): In a previous announcement, it was posted that EFS-Web would validate the PCT number and the international filing date entered in a 371 National Stage application. Unfortunately, this feature was not ready for production and was not deployed in the latest EFS-Web release.

Advisory (18AUG2008): New features available for e-filers as of 17AUG2008.  See  EFS-Web 1.4 for details.

ADVISORY (10JUN2008) : When submitting a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Request, all documents (except preliminary amendments and information disclosure statements (IDSs) including foreign patent documents and non-patent literature) related to Patent Prosecution Highway should be indexed as "Petition to Make Special under Patent Pros Hwy." Unlike other filings, documents should not be separated. IDSs including foreign patent documents and non-patent literature should be indexed as “Information Disclosure Statement Filed,” “Foreign Reference,” and “NPL Documents,” respectively. Preliminary amendments should be indexed as “Preliminary Amendment.”

For more information about PPH, visit:  http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm .

ADVISORY (02JUN2008) : Effective 28 April 2008, eligible applicants may participate in the  First-Action Interview (FAI) Pilot Program . An interview under this pilot program would advance prosecution of the application because it would enhance the interactions between the applicant and the examiner, provide applicant the opportunity to resolve patentability issues one-on-one with the examiner at the beginning of the prosecution process, and facilitate possible early allowance. FAI enrollment requests must be filed via EFS-Web and should be index as First Action Interview - Enrollment Request under the First Action Interview Pilot category.  See the  FAI web page for more information.

ADVISORY (22MAY2008) : The list of PDF creation software products following this paragraph is compatible with EFS-Web.  The USPTO does not endorse, certify, nor guarantee any of the products on this list; rather the USPTO is simply stating these products have been used in conjunction with EFS-Web filings and have no known compatibility problems. 

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• ABXPDF Writer (Freeware)
• Open Office (Freeware)
• Easy Office (Ad ware)
• Cute PDF (Freeware)
• PDF Redirect (Freeware)
• PDF 995 (Ad ware)
• Primo PDF (Freeware)

PDF creation software programs that are not on this list may not be compatible with EFS-Web, and their use may result in document image degradation, processing delays, and/or notice from OPAP (Office of Patent Application Processing), formerly OIPE (Office of Initial Patent Examination).

ADVISORY (14APR2008) : Documents for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program between USPTO and JPO, UK IPO, CIPO, KIPO and IPAU must be submitted via EFS-Web. Document description, Petition to make special under Patent Prosecution Hwy under the Petition category is available to index PPH requests. See JPO , UK IPO , CIPO , KIPO, and IPAU for more information on the PPH programs.

ADVISORY (20MAR2008) : The Petition for Expedited Foreign Filing License can now be filed via EFS-Web. This petition and all related documents should be indexed as  Petition for Expedited Foreign Filing Licenses under the  Petition category. Applicant is not required to refile application parts if the petition is for an existing application. .

ADVISORY (17FEB2008) : New features available for e-filers as of 17FEB2008. See  EFS-Web 1.3 for details.

ADVISORY: The USPTO has noticed that some users are attaching the PTO-2038 form as a PDF along with their EFS-Web submission. Please be advised that this is not recommended and by doing so your credit card information may be displayed via PAIR . To protect your information, we recommend paying fees online by using the electronic payment method or attaching a fee sheet. PTO-2038 should only be faxed or mailed to the USPTO.