Patent Center FAQs
The frequently asked questions (FAQs) found on this page are initially for the retirement of EFS-Web and Private PAIR. Additional Patent Center FAQs will be added to this page in the future. Until then, you can find Patent Center specific frequently asked questions on an alternate webpage.
General
What is Patent Center?
Patent Center is the next generation patent filing/retrieval and account management system. Patent Center enhances the user experience by incorporating filing, application, and customer self-administration management within a single user interface. Visit the Patent Center page or download the Patent Center Quick Start Guide for more information.
How do I manage sponsorships in Patent Center?
In Patent Center, registered attorneys can create new sponsorships and update sponsorships as needed under “Manage Sponsorships.”
Is there a way to practice using Patent Center?
You can explore Patent Center using Training Mode. Training Mode is an interactive simulation where you can safely practice filing DOCX and PDF document submissions. When using Training Mode, you cannot be logged in, and nothing is really submitted to the USPTO—it's a "sandbox" to explore Patent Center.
To access Training Mode, visit Patent Center, and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the “Training Mode” option.
How do I become a “proofed” user?
Visit the Getting started - new users page for instructions to become a proofed user. Contact the Patent Electronic Business Center (PEBC) for assistance at 1-866-217-9197 or 571-272-4100 from 6 a.m. to midnight ET, Monday through Friday, or email EBC@uspto.gov.
What is a MyUSPTO.gov account?
A MyUSPTO.gov account is created when a user registers or links their email address with the USPTO. Visit MyUSPTO, then select the “Create a USPTO.gov account” button.
For assistance with creating a USPTO.gov account, contact the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 1-800-786-9199 or 571-272-1000 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. When prompted, choose option 3, then option 4 for USPTO.gov accounts.
What is the benefit to becoming a “proofed” user?
As a proofed user, you will be able to view your pending applications(s) and file follow-on submissions. When you use Patent Center as a guest user, your scope is limited to fewer filing options and accessing only public applications. You also will not be able to see the Workbench and Manage Tabs.
Will I be able to use the same account to log in to Patent Center as I use now for PAIR and EFS-Web?
Yes, you will be able to use the same USPTO.gov account to access Patent Center, PAIR, EFS-Web, and Financial Manager. Guest users are not required to log in to Patent Center to conduct searches or to file new applications.
What is a “guest user”?
A guest user is a user who accesses Patent Center without logging in with a registered, or "proofed," MyUSPTO.gov account. You will not have full access to manage your account or review your unpublished submission.
EFS-Web retirement
What can be filed in Patent Center? Does Patent Center have everything EFS-Web does?
Patent Center allows all filing types that were available in EFS-Web. You can find a list of available filing types in this document. Patent center also provides new functionality, such as being able to file multi-section documents and generate feedback documents.
Why is EFS-Web being retired?
EFS-Web is a decades old tool, and is being replaced by Patent Center, the next generation patent filing and retrieval system. Patent Center provides all the functionality of EFS-Web, Public PAIR, and Private PAIR.
Is there still a save submission option like there is in EFS-Web?
Patent Center allows you to save for up to 14 days—an improvement over EFS-Web, which allowed for saving a submission only up to 7 days.
How many documents can be uploaded in Patent Center?
Up to 100 documents/PDFs can be uploaded at a single time in Patent Center. The documents can be either selected or “drag and dropped.”
Is there a contingency filing link like in EFS-Web?
Patent Center does not have an EFS-Web Contingency equivalent. However, Patent Center achieves high system stability and availability through upgraded technology.
Can Patent Center retrieve my documents from my third-party document managing system?
The USPTO doesn't support third-party vendor software. You will need to contact your vendor with any questions on how their software works with our systems.
Who should I contact if I have issues with my submission?
Contact the Patent Electronic Business Center, 1-866-217-9197 (toll-free), 571-272-4100 (local), 6 a.m. to midnight ET, Monday through Friday.
Private PAIR retirement
Why is Private PAIR being retired?
Private PAIR is a decades-old tool and is being replaced by Patent Center, the next generation patent filing and retrieval system. Patent Center provides all Public and Private PAIR functionality.
How do I view or change the correspondence address and list of individuals associated with my customer number?
The customer number management is provided under the "Manage" menu when logged in.
Do I need to be a registered user to search public applications?
No. Guest users can search available public applications.
What happened to searching by control number?
Control number search (Reexam) has been incorporated within Application search, which reduces the number of search selections.
How do I update an address for my applications?
If you are a registered attorney with power of attorney, under the "Manage" menu, there is an option to update addresses. Navigate to that page and enter the applications that you would like to update the correspondence or maintenance fee address for.
How do I enroll my customer number into the Patent Center e-Office Action?
Under the "Manage" menu, there is an option to "Manage Customer Number." From there, you can edit customer numbers associated with your account with options to change the correspondence method.