Patent basicsPatent process step-by-stepSearch patents Frequently asked questions (FAQs)Procedures (MPEP) and guidance Apply for a patentRegister and easier filing resourcesCheck application statusFiling fees and paymentForms Application assistanceContacts for application questionsAdvanced application resolutionPetitionsAppeals and proceedings (PTAB) Maintain your patentMaintenance fees and paymentCalculate expiration dateReinstate an expired patentOwnership change and search Helpful resourcesCARES Act deadline waiversInternational patent filingExaminer interview requestsIn-person help near youFree assistance programs Independent inventorsFile a patent application on your ownLegal assistance and resourcesFree resources in your stateInventors Assistance CenterSearch (PatFT)File online (EFS-Web)Status (PAIR)FeesFormsFirst action estimatorExaminer interview (AIR)CLE offeringsVirtual trainingInitiativesMaintenance (Storefront)Contact usPreviousNext CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIPSShare your perspective with us FAQSDeadline waivers under the CARES Act PUBLIC LEARNING CENTERLearn more about patent examinationNewsUpdate on paper patent file wrapper requestsAs a result of a storage site consolidation, effective January 1, 2021, the fulfillment time for requests forUSPTO announces COVID-19 deferred-fee provisional patent application pilot programPilot program to promote collaborative information sharing for inventions that combat COVID-19.USPTO releases updated study on participation of women in the U.S. innovation economyStudy finds the number of women entering and staying active in the patent system is at an all-timeCommissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld appointed to a second five-year termHirshfeld will continue leading the agency’s largest and most complex business unit Subscribe All newsEventsJan 27, 2021Patent Public Advisory Committee executive sessionJan 28, 2021 - VirtualLearn about recent developments for AIA trialsFeb 6, 2021 - VirtualPatent Prosecution Boot Camp, Module ThreeFeb 9, 2021 - VirtualInternational forum on protection of industrial designsFeb 10, 2021 - VirtualBlack History Month celebration: Three contemporary Black women inventors All events Subscribe to Patent Alerts by emailSign up for news and alerts from USPTOEmail address (required)