MyUSPTO and USPTO.gov account FAQs

MyUSPTO Help - Using MyUSPTO - Widgets

What is my responsibility for monitoring the status changes of cases in my Trademark Docket?

These notifications are sent only as a courtesy. Failure by the USPTO to send a notification or non-receipt of a notification does not excuse you from complying with or meeting any relevant legal obligations, requirements, or deadlines. Always check the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) database to review status information and documents.

What is a MyUSPTO widget?

MyUSPTO widgets are small applications that display snippets of important information on the MyUSPTO homepage. Our widgets are shortcuts to larger USPTO applications and affiliated sites.

What does the "Alpha" label next to the widget title mean?

It's a very early version of the widget that may not contain all features planned for the final version.

Not for official use.

How do I change what fields are displayed on the expanded view of my Patent or Trademark Docket?

Go to the Actions area within the Full screenview of your docket to set your personalized view.

What is the Trademark Docket notification option for updates to certain prosecution history entries?

A prosecution history update occurs when some action has been taken on an application or registration. We identified certain history entries that our customers may want to know about because those entries may identify unauthorized changes.

A notification bell icon will appear when certain prosecution history entries are updated in cases in your docket. This bell also appears when updates are made to the status of cases in your docket.

Which prosecution history updates are included in the Trademark Docket notification option?

A small subset of prosecution history changes was chosen because they may indicate unauthorized changes to a trademark case. This subset does not reflect all possible changes that can be made to cases in your docket. We may add more history changes in a future release.

Prosecution history updates included in the March 2018 release:

Change of owner information

Assignment of ownership not updated automatically
Automatic update of assignment of ownership
Change of owner received from IB
Change of owner received from IB
TEAS change of owner address received

Change of correspondence information

TEAS change of correspondence received

Change of attorney information

Attorney/domestic representative revoked and/or appointed
TEAS withdrawal of attorney received – firm retains
TEAS revoke/appoint/change address of attorney/domestic representative received
TEAS newly appearing attorney received
TEAS attorney information removed – power of attorney ended
Revocation/withdrawal of attorney received
TEAS withdrawal of attorney received

Change of domestic representative information

TEAS change of domestic representative address
TEAS withdrawal as domestic representative received

Amendments to record

TEAS voluntary amendment received
TEAS post publication amendment received
TEAS Section 7 request received
Section 7 request filed

Voluntary abandonment/surrender

TEAS express abandonment received
TEAS Section 7 surrender received

What should I do if I get a Trademark Docket notification of status or certain prosecution history changes?

From your MyUSPTO docket, click on the serial number to view the record in TSDR.

To see the current status, select the “Status” tab and scroll down to “Status” (underneath the Status Descriptor symbol).
To see the prosecution history entries, select the “Status” tab and scroll down to “Prosecution History” and click on it. To see the documents that correspond to the prosecution history entries, select the “Documents” tab. Check for a document with a date that matches or is near the date you received the prosecution history notification. Click on the document description to view the document that was submitted

What should I do if I see a Trademark Docket notification regarding an unauthorized change?

If you are notified about a change to your application or registration that you did not authorize, including a change to one or more email addresses, email TEAS@uspto.gov with the following information:

Your name and phone number.
The application serial numbers and/or registration numbers affected by the unauthorized changes.
The type of document or form that was filed (examples: Change of Correspondence Address form or Change of Owner Address form).
The date of the filing

MyUSPTO Help - Using MyUSPTO - Customer support

How do I contact customer support?

External customers (public callers):
Step 1: Dial 1-800-786-9199 (toll-free) | 571-272-1000 (local) | 1-800-877-8339 (TTY)
Step 2. Remain on the line
Step 3. Choose option 1 for MyUSPTO

MyUSPTO Help - Using MyUSPTO - Basics

I cannot complete the account creation process because the security questions in the drop-down list are blank. What can I do to complete my account creation?

If you received an email to create a USPTO.gov account, copy the activation link from the email and paste it into the browser. If, the security questions are still blank, delete the url and try again. If you still cannot see the security questions call USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 1-800-786-9199.

Why do I need to log back into MyUSPTO during the day?

MyUSPTO must follow cybersecurity policy that protects both your information and our systems. Because of this, our information systems must terminate user sessions after 30 minutes of inactivity. If you have not interacted with MyUSPTO after 25 minutes, you will receive a warning message. At 30 minutes of inactivity, you will be signed out and need to log back in to start a new session.

What is the MyUSPTO homepage?

MyUSPTO is a personalized collection of widgets that serve you recent news, information, and status changes. We are adding new customizable features monthly to make your MyUSPTO homepage increasingly useful as a launch pad into your USPTO activities.

How can I personalize my MyUSPTO homepage?

From the MyUSPTO homepage, you can change the placement of your widgets via the “Arrange widgets” button. You can also add and remove widgets using the widget library by selecting the “Add widgets” button.

How do I create an account?

Please visit https://my.uspto.gov and select the “Create an account" button. You will be asked to enter the email address you will use to sign in, as well as other necessary account information. To continue, please verify the ReCaptcha and select the terms of service and privacy policy check box,

Once completed, the page will notify you that an email was sent to the provided email address. The email sent will provide you with instructions on how to activate your account. The account activation link will expire in 48 hours so it is advised to check your email and select the link as soon as possible.

After you have successfully activated your account, please create your password and security questions. You will also need to provide additional account information in order to complete your registration.

Is there a cost to sign up?

There is no cost to sign up with for a USPTO.gov account.

How do I securely sign out of my USPTO.gov account?

For your security and to help protect your account, select your name in the top navigation and choose the sign-out option when you are ready to end your session. While fully closing your browser will sign you out, closing a tab will not sign you out.

Where do I sign in?

Please visit https://my.uspto.gov and select the "Sign in" button.

MyUSPTO Help - Managing my account - Password

I forgot my password, how can I reset it?

You can visit the forgot your password page.

To keep your account secure, please enter your email address you use to sign in with in the designated field.

Afterwards, please verify your account by answering your security questions. This is required in order to proceed with your password reset.
Once verified, the page will notify you that an email was sent to your registered email address and secondary email address (if any).

The email will provide you with instructions and a reset password link. The reset password link will expire in 48 hours so it is advised to check your email and select on the link as soon as possible.

I forgot my user name. How can I reset it?

Your user name is the email address used to create your USPTO.gov account. If you forgot the email address you used to register please call the USPTO contact center at 800-786-9199.

How can I change my password?

To change your password, please visit your accounts page.

At the top right of the blue navigation bar, you will see your name along with a carat icon next to it. Select your name and you will be given a drop down list of options. One of the options is “Account”, please select the link in order to proceed. Once selected, you will be taken to your account page where you will be able to change your password.

What are the requirements for creating a password?

Passwords must be at least 12 characters long.

They must include:

One uppercase and one lowercase letter

One number and one special character

(˜ ! @ # $ % ^ & * () _ + - = {}|[] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /)

MyUSPTO Help - Managing my account - Two-step authentication

What is two-step authentication?

Two-step authentication is a process that provides an extra layer of security to an account. After entering your user name and password (the first step of authentication), you are required to enter a randomly generated authentication code (the second step of authentication).

What happens if I select “remember this browser and do not ask again for 24 hours” checkbox in the second authentication factor screen?

If you select the "remember this browser and do not ask again for 24 hours" checkbox, the second authentication factor is not needed during sign in for 24 hours.

I selected the "remember this browser and do not ask again for 24 hours" checkbox but the system still asks for the second authentication step. Why?

This feature relies upon a cookie and may not work if you close your browser, clear your cache, or change your browser.
Note: Selecting the "remember this browser and do not ask again for 24 hours" checkbox, only eliminates the need for the second authentication factor for 24 hours.

Is it optional to use the two-step authentication process to sign in to my USPTO.gov account?

It is not mandatory to opt in to the two-step authentication process, however some USTPO applications require it. If you did not opt in to the two-step authentication process and attempt to access one of these applications, the system will send the authentication code to your email address.

How do I enable and setup two-step authentication for my USPTO.gov account?

Go to your Account page from the drop down menu in the top right corner under your name.
Under the Enable two-step authentication section, select the checkbox stating “Use two-step authentication to sign in to my USPTO.gov account.”
The default method to receive the authentication code is email but configuring two or more methods is strongly recommended. Do this by following the process for each method (i.e., phone call, text message, and authenticator application).
Select the Save button.

How do I receive the authentication code during the two-step authentication process?

The default method to receive the authentication code is email but configuring two or more methods is strongly recommended. Additional options to receive the authentication code are through a phone call, text message, or by using an authenticator application.

What should I do if I never receive the authentication code through email, or it is expired when I receive it?

The default method to receive the authentication code is email, but configuring two or more methods is strongly recommended. Set up another method by going to your Account page from the drop down menu in the top right corner under your name and following the process for each method (i.e., phone call, text message, and authenticator application).
Note: emails addresses with .mil extensions will not receive an authentication code.

I opted in to the two-step authentication process but occasionally, when I log in to my USPTO.gov account, I am able to access my account without the second step. Why does this happen?

Not all applications that use the uspto.gov login are currently configured for two-step authentication. If you log in to your USPTO.gov account from these application landing pages, you will not be asked for the second step until you access an application that requires the two-step authentication process.

Why is my two-step authentication code not working?

USPTO web applications are tested and optimized for the latest major browser versions. Older browser versions and some versions of Safari may not be compatible with the two-step authentication process. This may cause your account to be locked. Please check to see if you are using the latest versions of your browser while signing in to your USPTO.gov account. If you still are having issues, please contact the UCC.

MyUSPTO Help - Managing my account - Account issues

Why does the system log me out after 30 minutes of inactivity?

MyUSPTO must comply with the USPTO security policy, which states: For authenticated sessions of public users on public-facing systems that provide access to sensitive data, USPTO information systems must terminate user sessions after no longer than 30 minutes of inactivity. This is to ensure the online security of both our customers’ private information and our systems.

Why am I receiving “There was an error with the system, please try again later” when I sign into MyUSPTO?

Older versions of Internet Explorer 11 and Safari 11 are causing error messages with the MyUSPTO sign in feature. If you are unable to update your browser version or use an alternate browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) please sign by using https://fees.uspto.gov/ and selecting MyUSPTO under your personal account icon.

Why am I unable to access EFS-web or Private PAIR with my USPTO.gov account credentials from a mobile device?

You must complete the two steps below in order to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR using your USPTO.gov account.
- You have opted in for 2 step authentication on the USPTO.gov account page
- You have migrated your PKI certificate
If these steps are not completed and you attempt to access the new EFS-Web and Private PAIR sites, you will receive a “access denied” or “there was an error with the system, please try again later” message.

Why do I receive the message “There was an error with the system, please try again later” when trying to sign into EFS-web or Private PAIR using the USPTO.gov account, and the system locks me out?

Mobile users who have not completed the two steps below and are attempting to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR using your USPTO.gov account will receive an error message and get locked out after a four attempts entering the one-time PIN.
- You have opted in for 2 step authentication on the USPTO.gov account page
- You have migrated your PKI certificate

What do I need to do to migrate my account from a PKI certificate to USPTO.gov in order to access EFS-Web and Private PAIR?

- You must be a Registered practitioner or Pro Se inventor
- You must create a USPTO.gov account
- You must opt info 2 step authentication on your USPTO.gov account profile
- You must follow the instructions provided at https://www.uspto.gov/patent/authentication-changes-efs-web-and-pair?MURL=AuthenticationChange

I’m not a Registered practitioner – can I migrate my account?

At this time, only Registered practitioners and Pro Se inventors can link their existing PKI certificate with the USPTO.gov account. This does not include paralegal or support staff.

My account is locked. How can I get it unlocked?

If your account is locked after 5 invalid login attempts, please visit the forgot password page and follow the steps to unlock your account and reset your password.

If you are still unable to unlock your account, then please contact customer support.

For external customers:

Step 1: Dial 1-800-786-9199 (toll-free) | 571-272-1000 (local) | 1-800-877-8339 (TTY)

Step 2: Choose option #3

Step 3: Choose option #4

For internal employees:

Step 1: Dial 1-877-786-3721 (toll-free) | 571-272-9000 (local)

Step 2: Choose option #4

Email: servicedesk@uspto.gov

MyUSPTO Help - Managing my account - Editing my account

How do I get my deposit authorization code or link my existing payment methods to my new uspto.gov account?

To obtain the deposit account’s authorization code, an authorized user can contact the Receipts Accounting Division (RAD) at 571-272-6500 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For Fees Self-Service Portal Help visit https://fees.uspto.gov/help

Additional transition resources are available at: http://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-and-payment/transition-resources

I created an account and setup my security questions, do I need to setup my security questions again on my account page?

No, you do not need to setup your security questions again. The security questions on the account page itself is used in instances where you would like to change your security questions and answers for any reason.

How do I change my account information?

At the top right of the blue navigation bar, you will see your name along with a carat icon next to it. Select your name and you will be given a drop down list of options. One of the options is, “Account,” please select on the link in order to proceed. Once selected, you will be taken your account where you can:

Change your password
Change your email address
Change your security questions
Modify your personal and contact information
View your 10 most recent sign-ins

Can I change the answers to my accounts security questions?

Yes, you can change the answers to the security questions provided when you originally signed up for your account.

At the top right of the blue navigation bar, you will see your name along with a carat icon next to it. Select your name and you will be given a drop down list of options. One of the options is “Account,” please select on the link in order to proceed. Once selected, you will be taken your account page where you can change your security questions.

MyUSPTO Help - Technical concerns

Why am I getting a Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate error?

You must have a Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate of 1.2 or higher.

Do I have to enable cookies in order to use my USPTO.gov account?

Yes, cookies must be enabled in order to access any functionality that requires your USPTO.gov account for authentication and authorization.

What is a cookie?

Cookies are small text files that websites put on your computer to store information about you and your preferences.

How do I enable cookies on my browser?

For instructions on how to enable cookies, visit your browser's help resources:

Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Firefox

What happens if I fail the reCAPTCHA?

If you fail the reCAPTCHA after five unsuccessful attempts, copy and paste the code you receive as directed to complete the challenge.

reCAPTCHA is not displaying correctly in Internet Explorer 11, how can I resolve this?

reCAPTCHA cannot display correctly if the “Display intranet sites in Compatibility View” is checked. We suggest that you uncheck this box by going into your Compatibility View Settings. You can find the Compatibility View Settings under the tools menu or the gear icon.

The pages are not displaying properly in Internet Explorer 9. Why?

Please check your browser settings to ensure "Compatibility View" has been turned off. Once turned off, please refresh your screen and try again.

I am getting a blank page, what happened?

If you are receiving a blank page, we recommend that you refresh your page.
• Windows: ctrl + F5
• Mac/Apple: Apple + R or command + R
• Linux: F5