What is a PKI certificate and how can I obtain one?

A PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) certificate is a digital certificate issued by the USPTO to registered patent attorneys, registered patent agents, independent inventors, and limited recognition practitioners. The PKI certificate ensures your transmission via EFS-Web against unauthorized viewing, and allows you to view recent submissions in Private PAIR. More information regarding the use of Public Key Infrastructure and how to obtain a digital certificate is available at the Patent Electronic Business Center web page at http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/ under “Register Now”. It is recommended that EFS users obtain a customer number and digital certificate as soon as possible so that USPTO can provide them with the most complete information and support with regard to their applications as possible.