Electronic filing access
To register for access to USPTO electronic filing systems, visit our Getting Started - New Users page. Also learn how to be e-notified of official USPTO communications.
Check the filing status of your patent application
Patent Center is available for you to check your application status, and electronically file and manage patent applications in a unified location. As a registered user, you can access patent applications associated with your account — if you do not register, you can only access published patent applications.
Please note: New documents may not display in Patent Center immediately after filing them.
Timeline for patent application
You can check Patents Dashboard: USPTO Data Visualization Center for current processing wait times.
First Office Action Pendency
First Office Action Pendency is the average number of months from the date you file your patent application to the date the USPTO mails a First Office Action. "Pendency" refers to the application being “pending,” or awaiting a decision. The pendency period also includes any time during which the USPTO waits for you to submit all parts of the application. The pendency number displayed is the average number of months for all applications that have a First Office Action mailed over the past three months (fiscal quarter).
Traditional Total Pendency
The graphic chart above shows the historical measure of total patent pendency. Historically, pendency has been measured as the average number of months from the application filing date to the final disposition date (called a “disposal” — either a patent is issued or the application is abandoned). This pendency includes the wait times for you to receive official action from the USPTO and for us to receive an official reply from you the applicant. The Traditional Total Pendency number displayed, measured in months, is the average for all applications — excluding those for which a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) has been filed — “disposed” over three months (a fiscal quarter).
Contact us
For answers to your questions about your application status, contact the Application Assistance Unit (AAU). If you need help registering to access USPTO filing systems, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC).