EFS-Web Guidance and Resources
Benefits of using the Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web)
- EFS-Web is safe. Filings made with EFS-Web provide you with the same legal protection as paper-based filings. You receive an electronic receipt and confirmation, as well as the ability to print the receipt for your records, affirming your receipt date.
- EFS-Web is simple. Even the largest and most complex patent applications can be submitted by attaching PDF files and filling out a few simple web screens.
- EFS-Web is secure. EFS-Web submissions are protected through state-of-the-art security methods, including Transport Layer Security (TLS), and if you sign up as a registered filer, Digital Certificates, one of the most secure methods now available.
- EFS-Web is fast. In just a few minutes and using a few web screens, you can submit a patent application, pay for your filing and receive an acknowledgment receipt.
- EFS-Web is flexible. EFS-Web requires you to make no changes to the tools, processes or workflows you use to author patent applications and documents. Filing with EFS-Web does not require you to learn how to use new authoring tools.
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EFS-Web is forgiving. EFS-Web validates whether the PDF files and data you’re trying to file can be accepted before they are submitted. If there’s a problem, EFS-Web will tell you why the document can’t be submitted – allowing you to take corrective action quickly.
Getting Started
EFS-Web Overview [PDF 3.6MB]
- EFS-Web Best Practices
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Customer Number & Digital Certificates
- Associate your PCT application with a Customer Number[PDF 25KB]
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Security [PDF 1MB]
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How to ... Security & Other Settings
- >> Computer Based Training - PKI [PPT, 131 MB> Free Viewer ]
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How to ... Security & Other Settings
- EFS-Web Hardware and Software Compatibility [PDF 162KB] (28OCT2009)
- JAVA Settings [PDF 750KB]
- PDF Guidelines -Directions for creating PDF files that may be submitted to the USPTO via EFS
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PDF Creation [PDF 768KB]
- >> Computer Based Training - About PDF Files [PPT, 135 MB> Free Viewer ]
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Job Options [ uspto.joboptions for PDF 4KB ]
- Directions for Use of Job Options file [PDF 6MB]
- Download ABX PDF Writer
Learn More about EFS-Web
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EFS-Web eForms (Fillable Forms)
- Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
- USPTO Forms page
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PDF Fillable Forms Overview[PDF 167KB]
- >> Computer Based Training - PDF Fillable Forms [PPT, 146 MB> Free Viewer ]
Indexing Guides
- Document Descriptions [Excel, 175KB] (30OCT2009)
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Document Indexing - General rules for document description indexing
- Filing a New Application [PDF]
- Filing an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) [PDF]
- Filing an Amendment After Notice of Allowance [PDF]
- Filing an Amendment After Non-Final Rejection [PDF]
- Filing an Amendment After a Final Rejection [PDF]
- Filing a New International Application Under PCT [PDF]
- Filing a Demand for International Preliminary Examination [PDF]
- Filing a communication (IPEA/US) [PDF]
- Filing a communication (RO/US or ISA/US) [PDF]
Quick Start Guides
- Quick Start Guide for EFS-Web [PDF 981KB]
- Quick Start Guide for PCT [PDF 47KB]
- Quick Start Guide for Petition to Accept Unintentionally Delayed Payment of Maintenance Fee in an Expired Patent (37 CFR 1.378(c)) [PDF 190KB]
- Quick Start Guide for Petition to Make Special based on Age [PDF 669KB]
- Quick Start Guide for Pre-Grant Publications [PDF 199KB]
Advanced Training
- EFS-Web 1.4 Training [PPT, 3.58 MB > [Free Viewer] - Comprehensive training on EFS-Web
- EFS-Web Training CBT
- Simulated EFS - Unregistered eFilers (Updated 25AUG2008)
- Simulated EFS - Registered eFilers (Updated 25AUG2008)
- What's New in EFS-Web 1.4 [PDF] ( 3NOV2008)
Legal Guidance
- Legal Framework (27OCT2009)
- Privacy Policy
- PKI Subscribers Agreement [PDF 66KB 27](27OCT 2009)
Customer Support
Patent Electronic Business Center
- Full technical support for EFS-Web is available through the Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC) at (toll-free) orfrom 6 a.m. to 12 Midnight Eastern Time, Monday – Friday.
