

Update: The USPTO has issued a federal register notice delaying the effective date of the non-DOCX surcharge fee from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, giving applicants more time to adjust to filing their patent applications in DOCX format. Sections of this article have been updated to reflect the delayed effective date of the surcharge.
As a part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s continuous efforts to modernize and streamline patent application systems, the agency now offers applicants the ability to file patent application documents in DOCX format through EFS-Web and Patent Center. Use of any other format after that date will result in a surcharge.
DOCX is a safe and stable open source format supported by many popular word processing applications, including Microsoft Word 2007 and higher, Google Docs, Office Online, LibreOffice and Pages for Mac.
DOCX:
In response to helpful feedback the USPTO received after last year’s Federal Register Notice on DOCX, office actions are available in DOCX and XML formats with further enhanced features—including the ability to use DOCX for drawings.
For more information and to view frequently asked questions, visit File patent application documents in DOCX. A schedule of free online training sessions is also available.
If you need assistance, contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197.
The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.