They used to only accept xml documents so you would have to mark up all your files in xml format first before you could submit anything. If theres a problem, efsweb will tell you why the document cant be. If you need to file a new patent application or followon submission to an existing application during the maintenance period, please use an alternative filing method. The secure pdf files become the official versions of the specification, claims, abstract and drawings, and xml files are used for the bibliographic information, 18month publications and certain other processes. The acknowledgement receipt is evidence of this submission. Efs is designed to create an xml encoded document for the uspto. Encrypting file system efs certificates will be migrated automatically.
So, for example, a 100page application filed electronically is treated as a 75page application for application size purposes. Joboptions file into your adobe pdf settings folder. Check patent application status with public pair and private pair. Aug 05, 2019 the normal way to file us patent applications is in pdf format. Where, however, such sequence listings are filed in the form of an image file e. Attorney docket number enter the attorney docket number. Currently the whole application is in one pdf including abstract, specifications, claims and drawings. Pdf creators compatible with efsweb efsweb accepts standard pdf documents up to 25 megabytes. Usptos abxpdf writer freeware pdf format versions accepted. This format is a very featurerich environment and it might be tempting to put on all the bells and whistles.
The normal way to file us patent applications is in pdf format. Im trying to decide between the following ways of uploading it. Pdf readers and writers are easily accessible and are available as freeware, shareware and for purchase. The efs information center page provides general guidance on how to use the system. Since inception, the usptos electronic filing system, efsweb, or just efs, has only allowed document filing in pdf format with limited exceptions. Efsweb accepts standard pdf documents up to 25 megabytes. However, by default, the user state migration tool usmt 10. The uspto is working to add docx capabilities to other filing types including followon documents. Efsweb hardware software compatibility united states patent. May 20, 2010 the size of an application filed via efs web is discounted by 25% the uspto applies a 25% discount to the size of an electronically filed application. All users may file new applications for accelerated examination, design. Additional documents must not be added to the pct easy zip file. Users must follow the pdf guidelines for efs web and pdf creation for efsweb.
Documents filed via efs web contingency option as part of the submissions listed above must meet the same file format requirements established for efs web, e. Color drawings are permitted when they are the only practical medium to disclose a claimed invention and even then an applicant must petition the uspto to accept them. Many people these days are finalizing documents in pdf format. How to electronically file patent applications with the uspto go to file online link at the uspto website to reach the page titled about efsweb. Migrate efs files and certificates windows 10 windows. What version of pdf should you supply to the uspto. All pdf documents submitted via efsweb must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
Efsweb is the united states patent and trademark offices usptos new easytouse, webbased patent application and document submission solution. Then click on the efs information page or the electronic form submission menu item. The uspto, however, permits the electronic filing of color drawings via efs web. Efsweb is the united states patent and trademark offices usptos. A submission has not been filed officially at the uspto until the efiler executes the submit function and the documents are received at the uspto eastern time. Oct 24, 20 many people these days are finalizing documents in pdf format. Pdf creation and font embedding for uspto submissions.
The size of an application filed via efsweb is discounted by 25% the uspto applies a 25% discount to the size of an electronically filed application. Figure 1 dtasonline once you have clicked on the efs information center page link, the efs information center page will be displayed. Efsweb requires the pdf file to conform to any one of versions 1. The uspto has introduced a pilot for the receipt of specially authored xml electronic versions of patent applications from participating applicants. To automatically set your pdf settings to uspto standards, first you must save the. The ensoniq sq80 file type, file format description, and mac and windows programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the fileinfo team. If you need to file a new patent application or followon submission to an existing application during the maintenance period.
At this time, docx filing is limited to the specification, claims, and abstract for new utility nonprovisional applications filed under 35 usc 111. Summary of pdf benefits using pdf form fillables as part of the efsweb system expedites the patent submission process. Efs uses another uspto software application, the electronic packaging and validation. How to file color drawings electronically via efsweb. Much of what is described has changed since then including options in acrobat. The electronic filing system of the united states patent and trademark office uspto, also referred to as efs web or simply efs, is a webbased system for submitting patent applications and related documents electronically all users may file new applications for accelerated examination, design patents, design patent reissues, international applications for filing in the us receiving office. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and validated. The same file validation performed in efs web will be performed in efs web contingency option.
However, the united states patent and trademark office uspto has adopted a set of standards to restrict submitted content to what it is prepared to handle. In order to comply with efs requirements for pdfs, i have to use cutepdf to print the file to pdf format. Please, take note of other templates that may be applicable for other uses. Efsweb the usptos electronic filing system filing your nonprovisional utility application via efsweb is the only way to avoid paying an additional non electronic filing fee usps priority mail express to the patent correspondence address at 37 cfr 1.
All pdf documents submitted via efs web must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Go to launch efsweb unregistered efiler to reach the page titled welcome to electronic patent filing for unregistered efilers. As we discussed in november 2006 see hasslefree filing of sequence listings on efsweb version 1. Uspto s abxpdf writer freeware pdf format versions accepted. Web is the use of pdf formfillable documents, which are interactive. Characters beyond the 50th will be truncated in uspto internal systems art unit enter the art unit location if known. The following guidelines are based in part on the pdfa specification. I have a provisional patent application ready in pdf format and am trying to upload it. Efsweb utilizes standard webbased screens and prompts to enable you to submit patent application documents in pdf format directly to the uspto within minutes. The maximum file size accepted is 14 inch by 14 inch. Uspto standards for pdf submissions inventia patent. The proper way to electronically sign a form with the patent office is to type your name between two forward slash marks. Filing for a patent united states patent and trademark. Afterward, efs provides a link to the pdf and displays the message, the pdf s have been generated from the docx.
Document formatting the page size should be either 21. For example, if the original application was filed in paper, then the sequence listing must be filed in pdf via efsweb together with the statement under pct rule ter. Uspto support for filing in docx format still a work in. This fee would be avoidable if the specification was filed in docx format.
With pdf format, the applicant has complete control over the appearance of characters and symbols. Patent and trademark office announced that it planned on raising various fees. The sequence listing must be provided in the same format as the originally filed international application. When creating your pdf documents, you choose the tool, process and workflow with which you author your documents, convert. P ortable document format pdf is an open file format specification that is not owned. Uspto currently has the following formfillable pdfs available that will. The uspto can receive electronic documents in pdf portable document format, from which images will be produced for the image file wrapper ifw system. The usptos electronic filing system efs has supported docx. Because pdf is an open file format, its important to keep in mind a few things about the characteristics of the pdf files that can be accepted by efsweb. How to solve uspto filing embedded fonts and validation issues.
Uspto has preliminarily tested a variety of vendors products and a list of those that work with efsweb is included in this document. Uspto or efswebs extremely limited pdf system previous next. Federal register electronic filing systemweb efsweb. This petition, along with the color drawings, is typically filed by paper. Examiner name enter the name of the examiner assigned, if known or likely to be assigned to the corresponding patent application. The ability to file in docx format is a new feature, and pdf submissions are still an option for users. Pdf guidelines for efsweb united states patent and.
Efsweb utilizes standard webbased screens and prompts to enable you to submit a portable document format pdf document directly to the uspto within. Pdf fees are due for each page see official notices pct gazette dated 14 may 2009, page 79. Efsweb validates whether the pdf files and data youre trying to file. Nov 08, 2017 this content is not available on this country domain due to a trademark complaint. Respondent failed to notice the efs web and change it to mailing, but this was an inadvertent mistake, and not an attempt to mislead. As we discussed in november 2006 see hasslefree filing of sequence listings on efs web version 1. Sep 04, 2011 how to electronically file patent applications with the uspto go to file online link at the uspto website to reach the page titled about efsweb. Cite patent, creates links to us and other patents on the espacenet databaseciteref patent, for an inline citations to a patent bibliographyepo register, to include a link to the european patent register entry of a european patent or patent application, a generic template for general use. There is some validation of the information you enter but you are still responsible for entering all required information instructions may require some information to be handwritten on the form.
Uspto fillable pdf forms use the features provided with adobe acrobat products. Jan 19, 2011 color drawings are permitted when they are the only practical medium to disclose a claimed invention and even then an applicant must petition the uspto to accept them. Efsweb for registered efilers, efsweb for unregistered efilers, and efsweb contingency will be unavailable during this maintenance window. The electronic filing system of the united states patent and trademark office uspto, also referred to as efsweb or simply efs, is a webbased system for submitting patent applications and related documents electronically all users may file new applications for accelerated examination, design patents, design patent reissues, international applications for filing in the us receiving office.
Sb16 provisional application for patent cover sheet pdf efsweb version 1. Request for continued examinationrcetransmittal submitted only via efsweb application number first named inventor filing date docket number if applicable examiner name art unit this is a request for continued examination rce. Uspto joboptions file united states patent and trademark office. Also, even when i file in pdf, lots of times the image in the figures is degraded because of the software the pto uses, which converts that pdf to some other useless but bulkier format. When creating your pdf documents, you choose the tool, process and workflow with which you author your documents, convert them to standard pdf files and then submit them to usptos secure servers. Efsweb utilizes standard webbased screens and prompts to enable you to submit a por table document format pdf document directly to the uspto within. Review of legal framework for electronic filing system web. The usptos electronic filing system efs has supported docx specification. How to electronically file patent applications with the uspto.
File patent applications with docx documents uspto. Patent and trademark office consolidated notices december. Pdf protects the fonts, images and text formatting in the document. When the uspto successfully receives pdf documents filed in accordance with the efs web requirements, the uspto will convert the pdf files submitted by users into tagged image file format tiff image files and then store the tiff image files in the image file wrapper ifw as part of the official record, except for those drawings which are. Uspto support for filing in docx format still a work. Each document can be created in a pdf format for filing via efs web must have a top margin. Request for continued examinationrcetransmittal submitted only via efsweb application number first named inventor filing date docket number if applicable examiner name art unit this is a request for continued examination rce under 37 cfr 1. Each document can be created in a pdf format for filing via efsweb must have a top margin. The filename should start with az, az, 09 excluding brackets and commas. Pdf documents suitable for submission to the united states patent and trademark office. Efs web utilizes standard webbased screens and prompts to enable you to submit patent application documents in pdf format directly to the uspto within minutes. Since inception, the uspto s electronic filing system, efs web, or just efs, has only allowed document filing in pdf format with limited exceptions. The required page size for a pct international application filed via efs web in pdf format is a4. Other application documents, such as drawings and a handsigned declaration, may have to be scanned as a pdf file for filing via efsweb.
For example, if the original application was filed in paper, then the sequence listing must be filed in pdf via efs web together with the statement under pct rule ter. Afterward, efs provides a link to the pdf and displays the. Efs web for registered efilers, efs web for unregistered efilers, and efs web contingency will be unavailable during this maintenance window. Today, september 12, 2017, the uspto announced expansion of the efs filing options beyond pdf, into docx format. The uspto s electronic filing system efs has supported docx specification. Efsweb is the united states patent and trademark offices usptos new. Request for comments only the united states patent. The following guidelines are based in part on the pdf a specification. The uspto, however, permits the electronic filing of color drawings via efsweb.
Jan 08, 2020 when you can successfully upload a docx file, the uspto converts it into a pdf. This content is not available on this country domain due to a trademark complaint. When the uspto successfully receives pdf documents filed in accordance with the efsweb requirements, the uspto will convert the pdf files submitted by users into tagged image file format tiff image files and then store the tiff image files in the image file wrapper ifw as part of the official record, except for those drawings which are. The electronic filing system of the united states patent and trademark office uspto, also referred to as efsweb or simply efs, is a webbased system for submitting patent applications and related documents electronically.
Pay maintenance fees and learn more about filing fees and other payments. Some years ago, the uspto began betatesting a system that would permit a practitioner to file a patent application in docx format instead of in pdf format. For information on the paperwork reduction act as it pertains to. When you can successfully upload a docx file, the uspto converts it into a pdf. Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a. Users must follow the pdf guidelines for efsweb and pdf creation for efsweb.
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