MyUSPTO and USPTO.gov account FAQs

MyUSPTO - Managing my account

How do I create an account?

Please visit https://my.uspto.gov and select the “Create an account" button. Enter the email address that you will use to sign in with, 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 24 hours so it is advised to check your email and select the link as soon as possible.

After you have successfully activated your account, you will need to create your password in the next screen.

Where do I sign in?

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

Why am I logged out after being inactive?

This is to ensure the online security of both our customers’ private information and our systems.

How do I change my account information?

Select your name in the upper right corner and click on “Account.” Here you can:

Change your Email address
Change your security settings
Modify your personal and contact information
Modify your attorney bar and address book information
View your 10 most recent sign-ins

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

You might be using an unsupported browser. Only the most up to date versions of Edge or Chrome are supported.

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

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, please contact the USPTO Contact Center.

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.

Is there a cost to sign up?

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

MyUSPTO - Managing my account - Password

What are the requirements for creating a password?

Your password cannot be reused
Your password needs to be at least 12 characters that include: lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters

I forgot my password, how can I reset it?

Visit the forgot your password page.

How can I change my password?

To change your password,

Select your name in the upper right corner and click on “Account.”
Under Security Settings, click on the “Manage security methods” button.
Next to Password, click on the reset button.

I forgot my username. How can I reset it?

Your username is the email address used to create your USPTO.gov account. If you forgot the email address, please contact the USPTO Contact Center.

MyUSPTO - Managing my account - Multifactor authentication

What is multifactor authentication?

Multifactor authentication is a process that provides an extra layer of security to an account.

How do I setup multifactor authentication?

Select your name in the upper right corner and click on “Account.”
Under Security Settings, choose another method that you are not already using – these include using a code generator, getting a phone call or text message, or using the Okta Verify app.

What happens if I select “Keep me signed in" checkbox when I log in?

Multifactor authentication is not needed for a certain amount of time.

If I selected the "keep me signed in" checkbox, why am I still being asked for another authentication step?

This will occur if you close your browser, clear your cache, or use a different browser.

Is it optional to use the multifactor authentication process to sign in to my account?

It is mandatory to use multifactor authentication to sign into the MyUSPTO account page, however some USTPO applications do not require it.

How do I require multifactor authentication for my account?

Under your name in the top right corner, click on "Account" from the drop-down menu.
Under the Security Settings section, check the box next to Require multifactor authentication at all times.

How do I receive an authentication code during the multifactor authentication process?

The default method to receive the authentication code is email but configuring two or more methods is strongly recommended. Additional methods include getting a phone call or text message, using a code generator, or the Okta Verify app.

What should I do if I never receive the authentication code through email?

We recommend checking your email spam folder. If you can't find the email there, please contact your email provider to inquire whether the no-reply@uspto.gov address is on the block list. Additionally, consider whitelisting all emails coming from "@uspto.gov" to ensure their delivery.

Email addresses with .mil extensions may not receive an authentication code.

When multifactor authentication is enabled, why am I able to login without it?

Not all USPTO applications require multifactor authentication.

Why is my multifactor authentication code not working?

Chrome and Edge are the only compatible browsers for the multifactor authentication process. Using a different browser may cause your account to be locked. Please check to see if you are using the latest version of your browser while signing in to your account. If you still are having issues, please contact the USPTO Contact Center.

What is the default multifactor authentication method to sign in?

Email is the default authentication method.

What is Okta Verify?

It allows users to confirm their identity when they sign in to their USPTO account. When a user configures Okta Verify, users are prompted to download, install, and set up the app on their device. For more info see the Okta Verify help page

MyUSPTO - Managing my account - ID me verification

Why does USPTO require some users to be verified?

Verification enhances our security for online services by ensuring the identities of individuals performing actions related to our filing and registering processes. This helps to protect sensitive information, while preventing fraud.

How do I get my identity verified?

Go to your account page and click on the ID.me Verify button.

Why am I unable to click on the ID.me Verify button?

If you are unable to click on the ID.me Verify button, your account is already verified. Verification through ID.me only needs to be completed once, unless you need to update your information.

How can I change my name on my account if I am verified?

Your name will reflect the same name of your ID.me account. If you need to change the name, do the following:

Review this ID.me help article and contact ID.me support to have them change your name
Contact USPTO support and ask them to unverify you.
Go to your account page and click on the ID.me Verify button.

How can I change my email address if I am verified?

Contact USPTO support and ask them to unverify you.
Once you are unverified, go to your account page and change your email address.
Finally, click on the ID.me Verify button in your account page and follow the steps.

Why can’t I change my name or email address on my account page?

If you're verified, you cannot change your name or email address. You must have your account unverified to alter your account information. Read our FAQ: Or How can I change my name on my account if I am verified? or How can I change my email address if I am verified?

Where can I get more information about ID.me?

You can find more information on the USPTO & ID.me webpage.

MyUSPTO - Technical concerns

Which browsers are supported by USPTO?

The latest versions of Chrome and Edge are supported.

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.

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.

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

MyUSPTO - Using MyUSPTO - Widgets

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.

How do I enable notifications for the Patent Docket Widget?

Please click here.

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.

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 - Using MyUSPTO - Customer support

How do I contact customer support?

External customers (public callers):
Step 1: Call the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 1-800-786-9199 (toll-free) | 571-272-1000 (local) | 1-800-877-8339 (TTY)
Step 2: Choose option 3, then option 3 for USPTO.gov accounts

Email Address: usptoinfo@uspto.gov

General Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET (except federal holidays).

MyUSPTO - Using MyUSPTO - Basics

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.