PAIR Announcements - USPTO

The USPTO is retiring Public PAIR, effective July 31, 2022. Public PAIR functionality has been fully incorporated into Patent Center, the new tool for ... SkiptomaincontentCheckingapplicationstatusPAIRAnnouncements AllcustomersareencouragedtoregistersotheyarereadytousethefullfeaturesofPrivatePAIRandEFS-Web.Forquestions/commentsorfurtherassistanceonanyannouncement,pleasesendane-mailtoebc@uspto.govorcallthePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat1-866-217-9197(toll-free)or571-272-4100from6a.m.to12MidnightEasternTime,Monday-Friday.PAIRAvailability:23hoursx7daysperweek(unavailable04:30AMto05:30AMETdaily) Advisory(30JUN2022)WIPOStandardST.26WIPOStandardST.26takeseffectintheUnitedStatesandaroundtheworldonFridayJuly1,2022.ST.26requiresthepresentationofnucleotideand/oraminoacidsequencesinsequencelistingsusingExtensibleMarkupLanguage(XML)format.ST.26sequencelistingscannotbefiledviaEFS-WebandmustbefiledviaPatentCenteroronphysicalmedia.Formoreinformation,pleaseseetheUSPTO’sSequenceListingResourceCenter. Advisory(29JUN2022)PublicPAIRRetirementTheUSPTOisretiringPublicPAIR,effectiveJuly31,2022.PublicPAIRfunctionalityhasbeenfullyincorporatedintoPatentCenter,thenewtoolforelectronicfilingandmanagementofpatentapplicationsinasingleunifiedinterface.PublicPAIRutilizesoldertechnologyandwillberetiredtomeetourgrowingdemand. PatentCenterisdesignedtohandlethepresentneedandanyincreaseinfuturerequirementsfromthepublic. ThistransitionisessentialtoensurethatUSPTOtoolscontinuetomeet,andifneededevolvetotheuser’sneedsforpatentapplicationfilingandretrieval. InadditiontoallfunctionalitycurrentlyavailableinPublicPAIR,PatentCenterprovidesimprovedsystemperformanceandamoreintuitiveuserinterfaceforenhanceduserexperience.PatentCenteroffersthesamefunctionalitybutalsonewfeaturesincluding:SearchasaguestuserbyApplication#,Patent#,PCT#,Publication#,andInternationalDesignRegistration#AbilitytosortdocumentsandtransactionhistorybasedoncolumnheadingsQuickdocumentpreviewAbilitytodownloadmultipledocumentsatonetimewithinasinglePDFfileorinaZIP(New)DownloadPatentReferences(New)DownloaddocumentsinDOCXandXMLformats(New)DownloadbibliographicinformationinXMLformat(New)Toprepareforthetransition,wearehostingseveraltrainingsessionstoprovidedetailsandanswerquestions.Pleaseregisterat:AccessingpubliclyavailabledocumentstrainingusingPatentCenter.Formoreinformation,includinginstructionalguides,linkstotraining,andcontactinformationforassistance,pleasevisitthePublicPAIRRetirementandPatentCenterinformationpagesformoreinformation.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedassistance,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at  866-217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.tomidnightET,Monday-Friday,oremail [email protected]. Advisory(27JUN2022)PrivatePAIRMaintenance TheUSPTOwillperformmaintenanceonPrivate-PAIRbeginningat8:00p.m.,Monday,June27andendingat1:00a.m.,Tuesday,June28ET.Duringthemaintenanceperiod,Private-PAIRwill beunavailable.PleaseusePatentCenterasanalternativetoelectronicallyretrievepatentapplications. Advisory(22JUN2022)EFS-WebMaintenance TheUSPTOwillperformmaintenanceonEFS-Webbeginningat8p.m.,Thursday,June23andendingat1a.m.,Friday,June24ET.Duringthemaintenanceperiod,EFS-Webwillbeunavailable.PleaseusePatentCenterasanalternativetoelectronicallyfilepatentapplications. Advisory(21JUN2022)PrivatePAIRMaintenance TheUSPTOwillperformmaintenanceonPrivate-PAIRbeginningat8:00p.m.,Tuesday,June21andendingat1a.m.,Wednesday,June22ET.Duringthemaintenanceperiod,Private-PAIRwill beunavailable.PleaseusePatentCenterasanalternativetoelectronicallyfileandretrievepatentapplications. Advisory(31MAY2022) SupplementalContentAvailabilityDelaysTheUSPTOwillperformmaintenanceaffectingmultiplesystemsbeginningat8:30a.m.,Wednesday,June1andendingat9:30p.m.,Wednesday,June1ET.AvailabilityofSupplementalContentdatafornewapplicationsandfollow-onsfiledduringthismaintenanceperiodwillbedelayedinthefollowingsystems:    •    PatentCenter   •    PrivatePatentApplicationInformationRetrieval(PrivatePAIR)PleasecheckPatentCenterorPrivatePAIRonThursday,June2forconfirmationofavailabilityoftheSupplementalContentData.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at(866)217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.tomidnight,Monday-FridayET,oremail [email protected]. Advisory(28MAR2022) PrivatePAIR,PublicPAIR,andPatentCenterIssuesPrivatePatentApplicationInformationRetrieval(PrivatePAIR),PublicPatentApplicationInformationRetrieval(PublicPAIR),andPatentCenterarecurrentlyexperiencingtechnicaldifficultiesresultinginslowdocumentretrieval.TheUSPTOisawareofthisissueandisworkingdiligentlytoresolveit.Ifyou havequestions,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at(866)-217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.,tomidnight,Monday-FridayET,[email protected]. Advisory(11FEB2022) Six-digitRecognitionNumbersforLimitedRecognitionPatentPractitionersOnFebruary2,2022,recognitionnumbersforlimitedrecognitionpatentpractitionershavebeenexpandedtosupportsix-digits.Forthosepractitioners,pleaseusePatentCenter tofileandmanagepatentapplications.Six-digitrecognitionnumberswillnotbesupportedbyEFS-Web.Forquestionsorassistance,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at866-217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.tomidnightET,Monday-Friday,[email protected]. Advisory(16AUG2021) TransitioningtotheSponsorshipToolinPatentCenter AsofSeptember15,2021,thestandaloneSponsorshipToolat https://patentcenter-sponsorships.uspto.gov/ willnolongerbeavailable.  PleaseusetheSponsorshipfeatureinPatentCentertoviewandmanagesupportstaffsponsorshipsforEFS-Web,PrivatePAIR,andPatentCenter. Youmayuseyoursame uspto.gov account information tosigninto allfilingsystems. AftersigningintoPatentCenterathttps://patentcenter.uspto.gov/#!/,youcanaccessthesponsorshiptoolundertheManage>SponsorUsersmenuoption. Seethe PatentCenterSponsorshipGuide formoreinformation. Ifyouhavequestionsorneedassistance,pleasecontactthe PatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC) at866-217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.tomidnightET,Monday-Friday,oremail [email protected](14MAY2021):PAIRInfrastructureUpdate EffectiveTuesday,March16,2021,USPTOtechnicalteamshavemadeupdatestotheinfrastructuretoPrivatePAIR.Userswillexperiencethefollowingbenefitsandchanges:ImproveduserexperienceJavaAppletnolongerrequiredtodownloadPatentReferencesEnhancedvisualindicatorduringpageloadingOnemajordifferenceishowbulkAttorneyDocketnumberupdatesareprocessed.Whenachangeismadeinthebulkupdate,thesystemmaytakeupto15minutestoreflectthenewattorneydocketnumberinthebulkupdatesearch.However,ifuserssearchtheapplicationnumber,thenewattorneydocketnumberisimmediatelyavailable.Update:ThelistofidentifiedissuesreportedtothePEBCwillbeaddressed in anupcomingrelease.Update:Pleaseclearbrowsercachetorefreshcookiesif theissuecontinuestopersist.Exactdocketnumbersearcheswithspecialcharactersdoesnotdisplay.Use"Startswith"docketnumbertoconductsearchDisplayreferencesarenotdisplayingforsomeapplications.UserscandownloadreferencesinPatentCenter(Fixed) IFWXMLdownloadsforPCTapplications.(Fixed) DOCXdownloadforOutgoingCorrespondenceupdates theEarliestViewbyDate.(Fixed)CertifiedCopyCenter linksarenotcurrentlyaccessible. (Fixed)SomeapplicationsmaydisplayduplicateentriesintheContinuityfor arelatedapplications.(Fixed)Unabletodownloadapplicationbibliographicdata(XML)for 371NationalStageapplications.(Fixed)UnabletodownloadDOCX/XMLfromtheIFWwhensearchedbydocketnumber.(Fixed) FirstActionPredictionlettersforsomeapplicationsappearblank.(Fixed)Firstnamedinventoraddressisincorrectforsomeapplications.(Fixed)ExaminernameismissingfromPCTapplications.(Fixed)Incorrectphonenumberappearsforsome attorneysundertheAddress&Attorney/Agenttab.(Fixed)OutgoingCorrespondenceXMLdownloadfromtheSelectNewCasepagenotimporting correctlywith3rdpartydocketingsystems.(Fixed)SingleApplicationXMLdownloadingnotimportingcorrectlywith3rdpartydocketingsystems.(Fixed)OutgoingCorrespondenceprintpageismissingthe gridlinesandhassmallfont.(Fixed)FilingandIssuedatemaybedisplayedontheApplicationData, Continuity,andForeignPriority tabs offsetbyonedayfromtheactualdate.(Fixed)Newcorrespondencelistedinthee-OfficeActionemailmaynotbeavailableintheIFWtab.(Fixed)PublicPAIRisnotavailableonceauserhasloggedintoPrivatePAIR.(Fixed)SomeusersareunabletodownloadSCOREcontenthowever,SCOREcontentcanbedownloadedinPatentCenter. (Fixed)PatentTermAdjustment tabisnotavailableforissuedutilityapplications.IfyouhavequestionsaboutthechangestoPAIR,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(09DEC2020):PAIRInfrastructureUpdateEffectiveWednesday,December9at2pmET,PrivatePAIRhasreversedtherecentchangesfromtheinfrastructureupdatetothepreviousversionofPAIR.Thereiscurrentlynotimeframeonwhenthelatestchangeswillbedeployed. IfyouhavequestionsaboutthechangestoPAIR,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197.UpdatedAdvisory(09DEC2020):PAIRInfrastructureUpdate (LastUpdated:9DEC20208AM ET)EffectiveFriday,December4,2020,USPTOtechnicalteamshavemadeupdatestotheinfrastructuretoPrivatePAIR.Userswillexperiencethefollowingbenefitsandchanges:ImproveduserexperienceJavaAppletnolongerrequiredtodownloadPatentReferencesEnhancedvisualindicatorduringpageloadingOnemajordifferenceishowbulkAttorneyDocketnumberupdatesareprocessed.Whenachangeismadeinthebulkupdate,thesystemmaytakeupto15minutestoreflectthenewattorneydocketnumberinthebulkupdatesearch.However,ifuserssearchtheapplicationnumber,thenewattorneydocketnumberisimmediatelyavailable.Thelistofidentifieddefectsthatwillbeaddressed in futurereleases. UserscanaccessPatentCentertoaccessthesamedataorperformthesamefunction.NewcorrespondencefromtheOfficemaynotbeavailableintheIFWtab. NewcorrespondencecanbeaccessusingtheOutgoingCorrespondence/e-OfficeActionsearchesorinPatentCenter.FilingandIssuedatemaybedisplayedontheApplicationDataandContinuitytabs offsetbyonedayfromtheactualdate. Theofficialdateisnotaffected,onlythePAIRdisplayisoffset.UsersmaynotbeabletoupdatetheCustomerNumberusingCustomerNumberDetailsCustomernumberupdatescanbeupdatedinPatentCenterbyselectingManage/ManagecustomernumbersSupplementalContenttabisnotdisplayedIncorrectlinktoEFS-WebfromthePatentslink ApplicationUnavailablemessagedisplayedwhensearchedusing99/999999formatSomeusershaveexperienced issuesdownloadingdocumentsfromtheIFWtabWhenselectingtheExaminer'sname,thedisplayedphoneisincorrectWhenprintingtheAssignmenttabwhendataisavailable,theprintpagedisplays"Assignmentsdatadoesnotexist"ThelabelforU.S.PatentDocuments,undertheDisplayReferencestab,alwaysindicates“2Form(s)Found”wheretherecanbeoneormanydocumentsdisplayedDownloadingXMLofApplicationinStatusChangessearchismissingdataelementsIfanewsavedcustomernumberrequestisopenedfromtheViewsavedandcompletedrequests,therequestwillbeblankiftheimportedregistrationnumberlistwasmodifiedIfyouhavequestionsaboutthechangestoPAIRortoreportanyproblemsnotlisted,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197.Advisory(16APRIL2020):FormsprocessingannouncementWeencouragecustomerstousetheonlineresourcesavailableinPrivatePAIRforcreatingnewCustomerNumbers,updatingexistingCustomerNumbers,uploadingCustomerNumberspreadsheetsandupdatingPCTapplicationswithaCustomerNumber.TheseonlinefeaturesarefoundwithinthePAIRAdministrationmenuinPrivatePAIR.CreateNewCustomerNumberViewCustomerNumberDetailsUpdateApplicationAddressChangethecorrespondenceand/ormaintenancefeeaddressofupto20applicationssimultaneouslyPowerofattorneyisrequiredtoupdatetheaddressIndependentInventorswhoneedtoupdatethecorrespondenceaddressofanapplicationwillneedtofileCorrespondenceAddressForm AIA/122orSB/122viaEFS-Web.IndependentInventorswhoneedtoupdatethemaintenancefeeaddressofanapplicationwillneedtofileFeeAddressIndicationFormAIA/47orSB/47viaEFS-Weborfaxto571-273-6500AssociateaPCTapplicationintheInternationalphasewithaCustomerNumberforpurposesofviewingthePCTapplicationinPrivatePAIRbydownloadingandcompletingtheRequesttoUpdateaPCTApplicationwithCustomerNumber PTO-2248andsubmitviafaxat571-273-0177Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenteratebc@uspto.govor866-217-9197.Advisory(23MARCH2020): ReceivingofficecommunicationselectronicallyTheUSPTOcontinuestoencouragecustomerstotakeadvantageoftheefficiencyandconvenienceofouronlinebusinesssystems.TheUSPTOcurrentlyofferselectronicnotificationofOfficecommunications,includingOfficeactionstothoseparticipatinginthee-OfficeActionprogram.TheUSPTOisencouragingregisteredusersoftheUSPTO’sPatentElectronicSystemswhoarenotcurrentlyparticipatinginthee-OfficeActionprogramtologintoPrivatePAIRtoupdatetheirCustomerNumberdetailstoreceiveelectronicnotificationsofOfficecommunications(e.g.,byselectingtheoption“ReceiveCorrespondenceNotificationviae-Mail”ontheEditCustomerDetailsscreen).Formoreinformation,pleasevisitthee-OfficeActionprogramwebpageontheUSPTOwebsite.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutthee-OfficeActionprogramoronhowtobecomearegistereduser,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(16JUL2019):VerifiedUSPTO.govaccountrequiredforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRPractitionersandindependentinventorsneedaverifiedUSPTO.govaccounttoaccess EFS-WebforregisteredeFilers and PrivatePAIR. Supportstaffworkingonbehalfofapractitionerneedstobesponsoredtoobtainaccess.Newcustomers,orcustomerswhodidnotmigratebythemigrationdeadline,canobtainaverifiedUSPTO.govaccountusingthenewverificationprocess.Seethe AuthenticationChange webpageformoreinformation.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthe PatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC) [email protected](2JUL2019):PKIterminationforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRPKIauthenticationforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRispermanentlydisabled.ChecktheUSPTOsystemsstatusandavailabilitypageformoreinformationandupdates.PractitionersandindependentinventorsneedaverifiedUSPTO.govaccounttoaccess EFS-WebforregisteredeFilers and PrivatePAIR. Supportstaffworkingonbehalfofapractitionerneedstobesponsoredtoobtainaccess.ThedeadlineformigrationfromaPKIcertificatetoaUSPTO.govaccountisJuly16.PleaseensurethatyoumigratedtheproperPKItothecorrectUSPTO.govaccount,orreverseincorrectlymigratedaccountspriortoJuly16.Newcustomers,orcustomerswhodonotmigratebythemigrationdeadline,canobtainaverifiedUSPTO.govaccountusingthenewverificationprocess.Formoreinformationonmigrationsandsponsorships,pleasevisitthe authenticationchange webpageforguidance.IfyoudonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccountandneedtourgentlyfileanewpatentapplication,youcanuse EFS-WebforunregisteredeFilers or EFS-Webcontingency.Additionally,ifyouneedtofileafollow-onsubmissionanddonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,usean alternativefilingmethod.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedtoreverseanincorrectlymigratedaccount,contactthe PatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC) [email protected](3JUN2019):PKIOutageforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRPKIauthenticationforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwillbeunavailablestartingonWednesday,June5at12:01AMET,untilfurthernotice.PleaseseetheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilitypageformoreinformationandupdates.PleaseuseyourverifiedUSPTO.govaccounttoaccessEFS-WebforRegisteredeFilersandPrivatePAIR. IfyouneedtofileanewpatentapplicationanddonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,pleaseuseEFS-WebforUnregisteredeFilersorEFS-WebContingency.Ifyouneedtofileafollow-onsubmissionanddonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,pleaseusean alternativefilingmethod.Migrationwillbeavailableduringthisoutage.PleaseensurethatyoumigratedtheproperPKItothecorrectUSPTO.govaccount.Ifyouhavenotmigratedorneedtosponsorsupportstaff,pleasevisittheAuthenticationChangewebsiteforguidance.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedtoreverseanincorrectlymigratedaccount,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(23MAY2019):PKIOutageforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRPKIauthenticationforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwillbeunavailablestarting12:01a.m.,Thursday,May30th,andendingat11:59p.m.,Friday,May31st ET.Additionaloutageswillbescheduled.Pleaseseethe USPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilitypage formoreinformation.DuringthePKIoutageperiod,userswillbeunabletousePKIcertificatestoauthenticate. ThisPKIoutagedoesnotaffectusersaccessingEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwithaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount.AuthenticationviaverifiedUSPTO.govaccountstoaccess EFS-Web and PrivatePAIR willbeavailable.PleaseensurethatyoumigratedtheproperPKItothecorrectUSPTO.govaccountpriortotheoutage.Ifyouhavenotmigratedorneedtosponsorsupportstaff,pleasevisitthe AuthenticationChange websiteforguidance.Ifyouneedtofileanewapplicationduringthisoutage,pleaseaccess EFS-WebwithyourverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,use EFS-WebforUnregisteredeFilers,oruse EFS-WebContingency. Ifyouneedtofileafollow-onsubmissionanddonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,pleaseusean alternativefilingmethod.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedtoreverseanincorrectlymigratedaccount,pleasecontactthe PatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC) at [email protected] or866-217-9197.Advisory(20MAY2019):PKIOutageforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRTheUSPTOwillhaveaseriesofupcomingoutagestobeginthephasedterminationofPublicKeyInfrastructure(PKI)certificatesforElectronicFilingSystem-Web(EFS-Web)andPrivatePatentApplicationInformationRetrieval(PAIR).ThiswillnotaffectusersaccessingEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwithaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount.ThefirstPKIoutagewillbeonMay22,startingat12:01AMandendingat11:59PM(ET).Additionaloutageswillbescheduled.PleaseseetheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilitypageformoreinformation.DuringthePKIoutageperiod,userswillbeunabletousePKIcertificatestoauthenticateandwillbeunabletoaccessEFS-WebforUnregisteredeFilers.However,authenticationviaverifiedUSPTO.govaccountstoaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwillbeavailable.PleaseensurethatyoumigratedtheproperPKItothecorrectUSPTO.govaccountpriortotheoutage.Ifyouhavenotmigratedorneedtosponsorsupportstaff,pleasevisittheAuthenticationChangewebsiteforguidance.Ifyouneedtofileanewapplicationduringthisoutage,pleaseaccessEFS-WebwithyourverifiedUSPTO.govaccount oruseEFS-WebContingency. Ifyouneedtofileafollow-onsubmissionanddonothaveaverifiedUSPTO.govaccount,pleaseusean alternativefilingmethod.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedtoreverseanincorrectlymigratedaccount,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at [email protected] or866-217-9197.Advisory(15MAY2019):USPTOSystemMaintenanceEFS-Web,PrivatePAIR,andPublicPAIRwillbeunavailableduetomaintenancebeginningat11:59p.m.,Friday,May24th,andendingat5:00p.m.,Monday,May27thET.  Duringthemaintenanceperiod,applicantsmayfilenewapplications,exceptforNationalStageapplicationsunder35U.S.C.371,viaEFS-WebContingency.IfyouneedtofileaNationalStageapplicationunder35U.S.C.371orafollow-onsubmissiontoanexistingapplicationduringthemaintenanceperiod,pleaseuseanalternativefilingmethod. Formoreinformationaboutothersystemsaffectedbythemaintenanceoutage,pleasevisit USPTOSystemsStatusandAvailability.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentElectronicBusinessCenter(EBC)at(866)217-9197duringtheiroperatinghoursof6a.m.tomidnightET,Monday-Friday,[email protected](27APR2019):OrderEntryManagementSystem(OEMS)ReplacementTheUSPTOhasreplaced theOrderEntryManagementSystem(OEMS)shoppingcartwiththeCertifiedCopyCenter(CCC)inPublicandPrivatePAIR. Effective,April27,2019,thenewCertifiedCopyCenterstorefrontsystemwillprovidecustomerswithanimproveduserexperiencethatprovidesmanycapabilities,including:Abilitytoorderpublishedpatentandtrademarkdocuments,including“patentapplicationsasfiled”and“patentfilewrappers”AbilitytosubmitarequesttoorderunpublishedpatentdocumentsInformationforhowtodownloadfreeuncertifiedcopiesofpatentandtrademarkdocumentsEnhancedorderhistoryandordertrackingcapabilities,includingtheabilitytoimportyourOEMSorderhistoryintotheCertifiedCopyCenter.CustomerswillneedtohaveaUSPTO.govaccountpriortoaccessingtheCCCStorefront.AUSPTO.govaccount canbecreatedbyvisitinghttps://my.uspto.gov/thenfollowtheinstructionsunder"CreateanAccount".IfyouneedassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)at800-786-9199.IfyouhaveanyquestionsorconcernsregardingthenewCertifiedCopyCenter,pleaseemailthePatentandTrademarkCopyFulfillmentBranchcustomerserviceatdsd@uspto.govorcall1-800-972-6382(tollfree)or571-272-3150(local).OuroperatinghoursareMonday–Fridayfrom8:30a.m.to5p.m.ET,exceptfederalgovernmentholidays.Advisory(14FEB2019):PKIAuthenticationUpdateImportantupdate:ThedeadlinesrelatedtoauthenticationchangeandmigrationforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRarebeingextendedduetotechnicalissues.Wewillannouncethenewdeadlineswhentheyaredetermined.Untilthen,youcanstillauthenticateusingeitherUSPTO.govaccountsorPKIcertificateIfyouhavenotdoneso,pleasecreateyourUSPTO.govaccount,ensureitisoptedintotwo-stepauthentication,andusetheMigrationTooltolinkyourexistingPKIcertificatetoyourUSPTO.govaccount.RegisteredpractitionersshouldusetheSponsorshipTooltosponsortheirsupportstafftoworkontheirbehalf.UsethesenewURLsforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwhensigninginwithyourUSPTO.govaccount.Youwillneedtoupdateanybookmarksyoumayhave:EFS-Web: https://efs-my.uspto.gov/EFSWebUIRegistered/EFSWebRegisteredPrivatePAIR: https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePairAdvisory(5FEB2019): PKISign-InDiscontinuedasofFeb15AsofFeb15,EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRuserswillnolongerbeabletoauthenticateusingPKIcertificates.Thereisnowasimplerandsaferloginmethod.GotoyourUSPTO.govaccount(orcreateone)andoptintotwo-stepauthentication.Next,usetheMigrationTool(willnolongeravailableasofMarch1)tolinkyourexistingPKIcertificatetoyourUSPTO.govaccount.RegisteredpractitionersshouldusetheSponsorshipTooltosponsortheirsupportstafftoworkontheirbehalf.Newusers,oruserswhodidnotmigratepriortoMarch1,mustobtainaverifiedUSPTO.govaccounttoaccessEFS-WebandPAIRusingthenewverificationprocess,whichrequiresanotarizedPatentElectronicSystemVerificationForm.PriortoMarch1,youcanrecoveryourPKIusingyourself-recoverycodes.Otherwise,usethenewverificationprocess.Weinviteyoutoregisterforanupcominginformationsessionrelatedtothenewverificationprocess,alongwiththeotherchangestoauthenticationintoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR.UsethesenewURLsforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwhensigninginwithyourUSPTO.govaccount.Youwillneedtoupdateanybookmarksyoumayhave:EFS-Web: https://efs-my.uspto.gov/EFSWebUIRegistered/EFSWebRegisteredPrivatePAIR: https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePair MoreInformationFormoreinformation,visitAuthenticationChangeforEFS-WebandPAIRorregisterforaninformationsession.Pleasereviewthe PatentElectronicSystemAccessDocument foradditionalinformationonauthentication,sponsorship,andverificationforaccessingpatentelectronicsystems.IfyouneedassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)[email protected],sponsorship,orsigningintoEFS-WebandPAIR,pleasecontact thePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(22JAN2019): EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRauthenticationchange: NewverificationprocessStartingJan18,newuserscanobtainaverifiedUSPTO.govaccounttoaccessEFS-WebandPAIRusingthenewverificationprocess.CertificateActionFormsfornewPKIsandEBC-assistedPKIrecoveriespostmarkedpriortoJan28,willbeprocessed.UserswillneedtomigratenewPKIsbeforeMarch1.Ifyouhaveyourself-recoverycodesandneedtorecoveryourPKI,pleasedosopriortoMarch1.Otherwise,usethenewverificationprocess.AsofFeb15,EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRuserswillnolongerbeabletoauthenticateusingPKIcertificates.Thereisnowasimplerandsaferloginmethod.GotoyourUSPTO.govaccount(orcreateone)andoptintotwo-stepauthentication.Next,usetheMigrationTool(nolongeravailableasofMarch1)tolinkyourexistingPKIcertificatetoyourUSPTO.govaccount.RegisteredpractitionersshouldusetheSponsorshipTooltosponsortheirsupportstafftoworkontheirbehalf.UsethesenewURLsforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwhensigninginwithyourUSPTO.govaccount.Youwillneedtoupdateanybookmarksyoumayhave:EFS-Web: https://efs-my.uspto.gov/EFSWebUIRegistered/EFSWebRegisteredPrivatePAIR: https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePair MoreInformationWeinviteyoutoregisterforanupcominginformationsessionrelatedtothenewverificationprocess,alongwiththeotherchangestoauthenticationintoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR.Pleasereviewthe PatentElectronicSystemAccessDocument foradditionalinformationonauthentication,sponsorship,andverificationforaccessingpatentelectronicsystems.Formoreinformation,visitAuthenticationChangeforEFS-WebandPAIR.IfyouneedassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)[email protected],sponsorship,orsigningintoEFS-WebandPAIR,pleasecontact thePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(19DEC2018): EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRauthenticationchange: PKIterminationdate EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRuserswillnolongerbeabletoauthenticateusingPKIcertificatesasofFebruary15,2019.Thereisnowanew,simpler,andsaferloginmethod.TheUSPTOismovingfromusingPKIcertificatesfortwo-factorauthenticationbecausethesoftwarewillnolongerbesupported.CreatinganaccountIfyouoryoursupportstaffdonotalreadyhaveUSPTO.govaccounts,youandeachofyourstaffwillneedtocreateoneandoptinfortwo-stepauthentication. MigratinganexistingaccountIfyouarearegisteredpractitionerorindependentinventorwithanexistingPKIdigitalcertificate,usethe MigrationToolwiththesestep-by-stepinstructionstolinkyournewUSPTO.govaccounttoyourcurrentPKIdigitalcertificates.TheMigrationToolwillnolongerbeavailableasofMarch1,2019.SponsoringsupportstaffRegisteredpractitionerscanusetheSponsorshipTooltosponsortheirsupportstafftoworkontheirbehalf.Pleasefollowthesestep-by-stepinstructions.Oncesupportstaffaresuccessfullysponsored,theywillbeabletosigninusingtheirownUSPTO.govaccountsandselecttheregisteredpractitioneronwhosebehalfthattheyareworking.UsingyournewaccountUsethesenewURLsforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwhensigninginwithyourUSPTO.govaccount.Youwillneedtoupdateanybookmarksyoumayhave:EFS-Web: https://efs-my.uspto.gov/EFSWebUIRegistered/EFSWebRegisteredPrivatePAIR: https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePairMoreInformationPleasereviewthe PatentElectronicSystemAccessDocument foradditionalinformationonauthentication,sponsorship,andverificationforaccessingpatentelectronicsystems.Weinviteyoutoregisterformultipleinformationsessionsrelatedtothisauthenticationchange,becausenewinformationwillbeaddedasitbecomesavailable. Formoreinformation,visitAuthenticationChangeforEFS-WebandPAIR.IfyouneedassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)at800-786-9199.Forassistancewithmigration,sponsorship,orsigningintoEFS-WebandPAIR,pleasecontact thePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat [email protected] or866-217-9197.Advisory(01NOV2018): EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRauthenticationchange: SponsorshiptoolnowavailableAllEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRusersnowhaveanew,safer,andsimplerlogin.TheUSPTOismovingfromusingPKIcertificatesfortwo-factorauthenticationbecausethesoftwarewillnolongerbesupported.TheSponsorshipToolisnowavailableforexistingregisteredpractitionerstosponsortheirsupportstafftoworkontheirbehalf.Pleasefollowthestep-by-stepinstructionstosponsorsupportstaff.Oncesupportstaffaresuccessfullysponsored,theywillbeabletosigninusingtheirownUSPTO.govaccountandselecttheregisteredpractitionerthattheyareworkingonbehalfof.PleasereviewthePatentElectronicSystemAccessDocumentforadditionalinformationonauthentication,sponsorship,andverificationforaccessingpatentelectronicsystems.CreatinganaccountIfyouoryoursupportstaffdonotalreadyhaveUSPTO.govaccounts,eachofyourwillneedtocreateone andopt-infortwo-stepauthentication. MigratinganexistingaccountIfyouarearegisteredpractitionerorindependentinventorwithanexistingPKIdigitalcertificate,useour migrationtoolwiththesestep-by-stepinstructionstolinkyournewUSPTO.govaccounttoyourcurrentPKIdigitalcertificate.UsingyournewaccountTherearenewURLsforEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRwhensigninginusingyourUSPTO.govaccount.Youwillneedtoupdateanybookmarksyoumayhave:EFS-Web: https://efs-my.uspto.gov/EFSWebUIRegistered/EFSWebRegisteredPrivatePAIR: https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePairMoreInformationPleasereviewthe PatentElectronicSystemAccessDocument foradditionalinformationonauthentication,sponsorship,andverificationforaccessingpatentelectronicsystems.Weinviteyoutoregisterformultipleinformationsessionsrelatedtothisauthenticationchange,becausenewinformationwillbeaddedasitbecomesavailable. Formoreinformation,visitAuthenticationChangeforEFS-WebandPAIR.IfyouneedassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)at800-786-9199.Forassistancewithmigration,pleasecontact thePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat [email protected] or866-217-9197.  Advisory(27AUG2018): AuthenticationChangesEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRuserswillhaveanew,safer,andsimplerlog-inthroughaUSPTO.govaccountbeginninginOctober2018.ThenewmethodsavestimebygrantingaccesstomultipleUSPTOsystemswithoneconsolidatedsign-in,andeliminatessharedcredentialsbyprovidingpractitionerandsupportstaffwiththeirown.GettingaUSPTO.govaccountisquickandeasy.Ifyoudon’thaveaUSPTO.govaccount,allyouhavetodoisfollowthesesimplesteps:Visithttps://account.uspto.gov/profile/create-account?domain=efswebSelect“Createanaccount.”Entertheemailaddressyouwillusetosignin,aswellasothernecessaryaccountinformation,andfollowtheprompt.Opt-intotwo-stepauthenticationOncethetoolsareavailable,setupmigrationandsponsorshipIfyouuseFinancialManager,youalreadyhaveaUSPTO.govaccount.Justopt-intotwo-stepauthentication.Oncethetoolsareavailable,setupmigrationandsponsorship.Foradditionalinformation,pleasevisithttps://www.uspto.gov/AuthenticationChangeIfyouneedanyassistancecreatingyourUSPTO.govaccount,pleasecalltheUSPTOContactCenter(UCC)at800-786-9199.Forassistancewithmigrationandsponsorshipwhenthetoolsareavailable,pleasecontact thePatentElectronicBusinessCenterat [email protected] or866-217-9197. Advisory(21AUG18):USPTOSystemMaintenanceDuetosystemmaintenancestartingonTuesday,August21at10:00PMET,EFS-WebforRegisteredeFilersandPrivatePAIRwillbeunavailable.Weanticipatethattheywillbebackonlinetomorrowmorning.Duringthemaintenanceperiod,applicantsmayfilenewapplications,exceptforNationalStageapplicationsunder35U.S.C.371,viaEFS-WebforUnregisteredeFilersorEFS-WebContingency.IfyouneedtofileaNationalStageapplicationunder35U.S.C.371orafollow-onsubmissiontoanexistingapplicationduringthemaintenanceperiod,pleaseuseanalternativefilingmethod.AdditionalinformationandupdateswillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected](01SEPT17):NewDOCXandXMLFeaturesComingSoonEffectiveonSunday,September10,2017,EFS-WebRegisteredandPrivatePAIRuserswillhaveaccesstonewDOCXandXMLfeatures.ThefeaturesincludetheabilityforapplicantstofilestructuredtextviaEFS-Web,accessstructuredtextsubmissions,structuredtextOfficeactions,andXMLdownloadsviaPrivatePAIR.ThesefeatureshavebeenavailabletoparticipantsintheeModTextPilotProgramsinceAugust2016andupdatesweremadebasedonparticipantfeedback.Toimplementthenewfeatures,EFS-Web,EFS-WebContingency,andPrivateandPublicPAIRwillbeunavailableSunday,9/10/2017startingat12:01AMET,andendingby5:00AMET.Duringthisoutage,ifyouneedtofilepatentapplicationsorsubmissions,pleaseuseanalternativefilingmethod.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/Foradditionalinformation,pleaseseetheassociatedQuickStartGuides:DOCXIntakeQuickStartGuideAccessandDownloadDOCXQuickStartGuideIfyouhaveanyquestionsorneedassistancefilingviaEFS-WeborPAIR,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected](04APR17):EFS-WebIssueResolved-WrongGeneralDepositAccountNumberDisplayedonElectronicAcknowledgementReceiptsIfyoureceivedanElectronicAcknowledgementReceiptwithanincorrectgeneraldepositaccountnumberforfeepre-authorizations(s),acorrectedreceiptisnowavailableintheapplication’sImageFileWrapper(IFW)andviewableinPrivatePAIRwiththedocumentdescription “EFSAcknowledgmentReceipt(Corrected)”(doccode:N417.CORR).EFS-Websubmissionswereimpactediftheymet ALL ofthefollowingcriteria:TheEFS-WebsubmissionwassubmittedbetweenJune2,2016–September17,2016;AgeneraldepositaccountwasappliedtoauthorizetheOfficetochargeanymissingfees;Paymentwasprocessedusingthenewpaymentsystem,FinancialManager;andPaymentmethodforonlineprocessingwasdifferentthanthegeneraldepositaccountnumber,i.e.,(1)youpaidwithcredit/debitcardorEFTandappliedageneraldepositaccount;or(2)youpaidwithadepositaccountandusedadifferentdepositaccountforpre-authorization.Ifyoureceivedanadverseactionasaresultofthiserror,pleasecontactthebusinessunitthatsenttheaction. Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontacttheEBC(PatentElectronicBusinessCenter)at1-866-217-9197,Monday throughFridayfrom6AM-MidnightET, oremail ebc@uspto.gov.NewInterimAuthenticationMethodforEFS-WebandPAIRAccessviaFirefoxFirefoxreleasedFirefox52onMarch7,2017.ThisiterationdroppedsupportforNPAPI(includingtheJavaplug-in),whichimpactsyourabilitytoaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRbecauseJavaisrequiredforauthenticationintothesesystems.AdditionalinformationregardingJavaandFirefox.NewInterimAuthenticationMethodtoUseFirefoxTocontinueusingFirefoxtoaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR,pleaseusethenewinterimauthenticationmethodJavaWebStart,whichrequiresthelatestJava8version.UponenteringEFS-WeborPrivatePAIRinyourwebbrowser,selectthe“AuthenticatewithJavaWebStart(newmethod)”link,whichwilllaunchanewwindow.Inputyour.epffile,password,selectthecheckboxnextto“Iunderstand…”,andclicktheAuthenticatebutton.Ifsuccessful,theAuthenticateJavaWebStartwindowwillcloseandallowyoutoaccessEFS-WeborPrivatePAIRinyourbrowser. ForadditionalinformationandinstructionsonusingtheInterimAuthenticationmethod,pleasevisitEFS-WebandPAIRSystemRequirements,undertheJavaWebStartsection.TheUSPTOisworkingonalongerterm,permanentauthenticationmethod,toimprovetheoverallauthenticationprocess.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat(866)[email protected]. ADVISORY(13FEB2017) USPTOSystemsMaintenanceonFebruary26 USPTOSystemsMaintenanceonFebruary26Duetomaintenance,EFS-Web,EFS-WebContingency,andPrivateandPublicPAIRwillbeunavailableSunday,2/26/2017startingat12:01AMET,andendingby11:59PMET.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/EFS-WebApplicantsDuringthemaintenanceperiod,ifyouneedtofilepatentapplicationsorsubmissions,pleaseuseanalternativefilingmethod.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected]. ADVISORY(18Oct2016)USPTOMaintenanceonOctober24thDuetomaintenance,EFS-Web,PrivatePAIR,andDigitalCertificateManagementtoolswillbeunavailableMonday,October24startingat12:01a.m.ET,andendingby6:00AMET.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/EFS-WebApplicantsDuringthemaintenanceperiod,applicantsmayfilenewapplicationsusingEFS-WebforUnregisteredeFilersoruseanalternativefilingmethod.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected](11Oct2016)EFS-WebandPrivatePAIR:InterimAuthenticationSolutionUpdateandJavaReminderAsareminder,EFS-WebandPrivatePAIRusersshouldhavethelatestJava8version,whichisneededforthecurrentauthenticationJavaApplet.OnOctober24th,anewinterimauthenticationmethodusingJavaWebStartwillbeavailabletoprovideaccesstoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR.YoumusthaveJava8tousethenewJavaWebStartauthenticationmethod.Theinterimauthenticationsolutionprovidesanew,plug-in-freeoptionforuserstoauthenticate,andwillexpandbrowseroptionsuntilanewpermanentsolutionisinplace.Whileyoucancontinuetoauthenticateusingtheexistingmethod(JavaApplet),youwillbegivenanoptiontoutilizethenewmethod.ThisinterimsolutionusesJavaWebStarttechnology,allowinguserstoauthenticateintoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRutilizingtheircurrentdigitalcertificate.ThenewoptionwillprovideusersmoreflexibilityinbrowserchoiceasitreducesthedependencyontheJavaAppletplug-in.DigitalCertificateManagement(DCM)toolswillalsobesupportedonJavaWebStartinasubsequentrelease.Anewpermanentauthenticationmethodiscurrentlyunderdevelopment.Foradditionalinformationregardingtheseauthenticationmethods,pleasevisitEFS-Web/PAIRSystemRequirements.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat(866)[email protected],[email protected],oryoucanvisitoureCommerceModernizationwebpage. ADVISORY(20Jul2016)USPTOSystemsMaintenanceonJuly30Duetomaintenance,EFS-Web,EFS-WebContingency,PublicPAIR,andPrivatePAIRwillbeunavailableSaturday,July30startingat12:01a.m.ET,andendingon11:59p.m.ET.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/EFS-WebApplicantsDuringthemaintenanceperiod,applicantsmayfilenewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplicationsanddocumentsandfeesfornationalstageentryunder35U.S.C.371viaPriorityMailExpress®fromtheUnitedStatesPostalService(USPS)inaccordancewith37CFR1.10.Applicantsmayfileotherdocumentsorfeepaymentsby:firstclassmailwithacertificateofmailinginaccordancewith37CFR1.8,orPriorityMailExpress®fromtheUSPSinaccordancewith37CFR1.10. Pleasenotethatfilingofanewinternational(PCT)applicationoranewapplicationunder35USC111(a),exceptreissue,designorplantapplications,otherthanbytheOffice’selectronicfilingsystemrequirespaymentofthenon-electronicfilingfee(37CFR1.16(t)and1.445(a)(1)(ii))inadditiontotheotherrequiredfees.Thenon-electronicfilingfeeis$400($200forsmallandmicroentities).AlsopleasenotethataninternationaldesignapplicationfiledinpapermaybesubjecttoadditionalWIPOpublicationfees.Newpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,copiesoftheinternational(PCT)applicationandbasicnationalfeenecessarytoenterthenationalstageunder35U.S.C.371,anddocumentsthatarerequiredtoestablishthefilingdateofanapplication(e.g.,amissingdrawingfigureorpageofthespecification)cannotbesubmittedbyfacsimiletransmission,andcertificateofmailingproceduresunder37CFR1.8donotapplytothesedocuments.Patentcorrespondence,includingnewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,anddocumentsorfeepayments,cannotbesubmittedviae-mail.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingalternativefilingmethods,pleasecontacttheUSPTOInventor’sAssistanceCenterduringbusinesshours(Mon.-Fri.,8:30a.m.–5p.m.ET)at1-800-786-9199.InformationregardingfilingbyfirstclassmailwithacertificateofmailingorbyPriorityMailExpresscanalsobefoundintheManualofPatentExaminingProcedure(MPEP),Sections512and513.Applicantsarestronglyadvisedtotransmittheirelectronicfilingspriortotheoutageperiodtoensurethatthesubmissionsarecorrectlycompleted.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected]. ADVISORY(28Jun2016)USPTOAnnouncesGlobalDossierAccessforPublicandPrivatePAIRBeginningonJune26,usersareabletoaccessGlobalDossierthroughPublicandPrivatePAIRviaaGlobalDossierhyperlink--onlyavailablewhenauserisviewingapubliclyavailableutilityapplicationfiledunder35U.S.C.111(a)andpubliclyavailablenationalstageapplicationssubmittedunder35U.S.C.371.Foradditionalinformation,pleasevisittheGlobalDossierInitiativepage.ADVISORY(28Jun2016)USPTOAnnouncesNewDownloadFeaturesinPrivatePAIRAsofJune26,therearenewdownloadfeatureswithinPrivatePAIRundertheIFWtab,theViewOutgoingCorrespondenceSearch,andViewe-OfficeActionNotifications.ThesenewdownloadfeaturesarepartoftheeModProject.ThefirstnewdownloadfeaturesaretwobuttonslabeledXMLandDOCX. Atthistime,theXMLandDOCXbuttonsareinactiveuntilthesefilestypesbecomeavailabletoeModTextPilotProgramparticipants.TheadditionalnewdownloadfeatureisaPDFhyperlink,whichisavailabletoallPrivatePAIRusers.ForadditionalinformationabouttheeModProjectandhowtojointheeModTextPilotProgram,pleasevisittheeModpage.ADVISORY(16MAY2016)USPTOSystemsMaintenanceonMay21stDuetomaintenancerequiredonUSPTOsystems,PublicPAIR,PrivatePAIR,EFS-WebandEFS-WebContingency willbeunavailablebeginningSaturday,May21at10:00PMET,andendingonSunday,May22at10p.m.ET.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/EFS-WebApplicants:Duringthemaintenanceperiod,applicantsmayfilenewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplicationsanddocumentsandfeesfornationalstageentryunder35U.S.C.371viaPriorityMailExpress®fromtheUnitedStatesPostalService(USPS)inaccordancewith37CFR1.10.Applicantsmayfileotherdocumentsorfeepaymentsby:facsimiletransmissiontotheUSPTOCentralFacsimile(571)273-8300,firstclassmailwithacertificateofmailinginaccordancewith37CFR1.8,orPriorityMailExpress®fromtheUSPSinaccordancewith37CFR1.10.Pleasenotethatfilingofanewapplicationunder35USC111(a),exceptreissue,designorplantapplications,viaPriorityMailExpress®requirespaymentofthenon-electronicfilingfee(37CFR1.16(t))inadditiontotheotherrequiredfees.Thenon-electronicfilingfeeis$400($200forsmallandmicroentities).AlsopleasenotethataninternationaldesignapplicationfiledinpapermaybesubjecttoadditionalWIPOpublicationfees(seehttp://www.wipo.int/hague/en/fees/sched.htm).Newpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,copiesoftheinternational(PCT)applicationandbasicnationalfeenecessarytoenterthenationalstageunder35U.S.C.371,anddocumentsthatarerequiredtoestablishthefilingdateofanapplication(e.g.,amissingdrawingfigureorpageofthespecification)cannotbesubmittedbyfacsimiletransmission,andcertificateofmailingproceduresunder37CFR1.8donotapplytothesedocuments.Patentcorrespondence,includingnewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,anddocumentsorfeepayments,cannotbesubmittedviae-mail.PleasecontacttheUSPTOInventor’sAssistanceCenterduringbusinesshours(Mon-Fri,8:30AM–5:00PMET)at1-800-786-9199ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingalternativefilingmethods.Informationregardingfilingbyfirstclassmailwithacertificateofmailingorby“PriorityMailExpress”canalsobefoundintheManualofPatentExaminingProcedure(MPEP),Sections512and513,availableontheUSPTOWebsiteat:http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.html.Applicantsarestronglyadvisedtotransmittheirelectronicfilingspriortotheoutageperiodtoensurethatthesubmissionsarecorrectlycompleted.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197or [email protected]. ADVISORY(03DEC2015)USPTOSystemsMaintenanceonDecember5thDuetomaintenancerequiredonUSPTOsystems,accesstoPublicPAIR,PrivatePAIR,EFS-WebandEFS-WebContingencywillbeunavailablebeginning12:01a.m.andendingat11:59p.m.Saturday,December5thET.Whensystemsareavailable,notificationwillbepostedontheUSPTOSystemsStatusandAvailabilityathttp://www.uspto.gov/blog/ebiz/EFS-WebApplicants:Duringthisoutageperiod,applicantsmayfilenewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,anddocumentsandfeesfornationalstageentryunder35U.S.C.371viaPriorityMailExpress®fromtheUnitedStatesPostalService(USPS)inaccordancewith37CFR1.10.Applicantsmayfileotherdocumentsorfeepaymentsby:(1)facsimiletransmissiontotheUSPTOCentralFacsimile(571)273-8300,(2)firstclassmailwithacertificateofmailinginaccordancewith37CFR1.8,or(3)PriorityMailExpress®fromtheUSPSinaccordancewith37CFR1.10Pleasenotethatfilingofanewapplicationunder35USC111(a),exceptreissue,designorplantapplications,viaPriorityMailExpress®requirespaymentofthenon-electronicfilingfee(37CFR1.16(t))inadditiontotheotherrequiredfees.Thenon-electronicfilingfeeis$400($200forsmallandmicroentities). AlsopleasenotethataninternationaldesignapplicationfiledinpapermaybesubjecttoadditionalWIPOpublicationfees(seehttp://www.wipo.int/hague/en/fees/sched.htm).Newpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,copiesoftheinternational(PCT)applicationandbasicnationalfeenecessarytoenterthenationalstageunder35U.S.C.371,anddocumentsthatarerequiredtoestablishthefilingdateofanapplication(e.g.,amissingdrawingfigureorpageofthespecification)cannotbesubmittedbyfacsimiletransmission,andcertificateofmailingproceduresunder37CFR1.8donotapplytothesedocuments.Patentcorrespondence,includingnewpatentapplications,newinternationaldesignapplications,anddocumentsorfeepayments,cannotbesubmittedviae-mail.PleasecontacttheUSPTOInventor’sAssistanceCenterduringbusinesshours(Mon-Fri,8:30AM–5:00PMET)at1-800-786-9199ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingalternativefilingmethods.Informationregardingfilingbyfirstclassmailwithacertificateofmailingorby“PriorityMailExpress”canalsobefoundintheManualofPatentExaminingProcedure(MPEP),Sections512and513,availableontheUSPTOWebsiteat:http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.html.Applicantsarestronglyadvisedtotransmittheirelectronicfilingspriortotheoutageperiodtoensurethatthesubmissionsarecorrectlycompleted.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactthePatentEBCat1-866-217-9197orebc@uspto.gov.ADVISORY(03AUGUST2015) ForuserswhoareupdatingtheiroperatingsystemstoWindows10,pleasebeawarethatWindows10comesinstalledwithanewwebbrowser,MicrosoftEdge,thatdoesnotsupportplug-insandwillnotrunJava. BecauseJavaisrequiredforauthenticationtoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR,thisimpactsyourabilitytoaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRviaMicrosoftEdge. ToaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRusingWindows10,OracleisrecommendingtheuseofalternativebrowserssuchasFirefoxandInternetExplorer.IE11willalsobeavailableonWindows10. ForadditionalinformationregardingJavacompatibilityandinstructionsonhowtoaccessIE11onWindows10,pleasevisit:http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/win10_faq.xmlTheUSPTOisworkingonalongertermplantoimprovetheoverallauthenticationprocess.ForUSPTOupdatesregardingthisissuepleasevisiteitherofourAnnouncementspages:•EFS–WebAnnouncements:http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/applying-online/efs-web-announcements•PAIRAnnouncements:http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/checking-application-status/pair-announcementsIfyouneedassistancewiththismatter,orhavequestionsonanyeFilingtopic,pleasevisitthePatentElectronicBusinessCenterwebpage:http://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patent-electronic-business-centerforcomprehensivecontactinformation,FAQ’s,andothereFilingresources.ADVISORY(10JULY2015) DuetoemergencymaintenancerequiredonUSPTOsystems,accesstoPatent,TrademarkandFinance’selectronicsystemswillbeunavailablebeginning8:00p.m.Saturday,July18thandendingat5p.m.SundayJuly19thET. Duringthisoutageperiod,patentapplicantsmayfilenewpatentapplicationsanddocumentsandfeesfornationalstageentryunder35U.S.C.371via“PriorityMailExpress®”fromtheUnitedStatesPostalService(USPS)inaccordancewith37CFR1.10. Patentapplicantsmayfileotherdocumentsorfeepaymentsby:facsimiletransmissiontotheUSPTOCentralFacsimile(571)273-8300,firstclassmailwithacertificateofmailinginaccordancewith37CFR1.8,or"PriorityMailExpress®"fromtheUSPSinaccordancewith37CFR1.10Pleasenotethatfilingofanewapplicationunder37USC111(a),exceptreissue,designorplantapplications,viaPriorityMailExpress®requirespaymentofthenon-electronicfilingfee(37CFR1.16(t))inadditiontotheotherrequiredfees. Thenon-electronicfilingfeeis$400($200forsmallandmicroentities).Newpatentapplications,copiesoftheinternationalapplicationandbasicnationalfeenecessarytoenterthe nationalstageunder35U.S.C.371,anddocumentsthatarerequiredtoestablishthefilingdateofanapplication(e.g.,amissingdrawingfigureorpageofthespecification)cannotbesubmittedbyfacsimiletransmission,andcertificateofmailingproceduresunder37CFR1.8donotapplytothesedocuments. Patentcorrespondence,includingnewpatentapplicationsanddocumentsorfeepayments,cannotbesubmittedviae-mail. PleasecontacttheUSPTOInventor’sAssistanceCenterduringbusinesshours(Mon-Fri,8:30AM–5:00PMET)at1-800-786-9199ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingalternativefilingmethods. Informationregardingfilingbyfirstclassmailwithacertificateofmailingorby“PriorityMailExpress”canalsobefoundintheManualofPatentExaminingProcedure(MPEP),Sections512and513,availableontheUSPTOWebsiteathttp://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.html. Applicantsarestronglyadvisedtotransmittheirelectronicfilingspriortotheoutageperiodtoensurethatthesubmissionsarecorrectlycompleted.ADVISORY(22JUNE2015) InApril2015,GoogleChromeremovedthedefaultabilitytousetheJavaplug-inforbrowserversion42.ThisimpactsyourabilitytoaccessEFS-WebandPrivatePAIRbecauseJavaisrequiredforyourauthenticationintothesesystems. Currently,ChromehasatemporaryworkaroundthatwillallowyoutousetheJavaplug-insothatyoucancontinuetologintoEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR:https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6213033ThisworkaroundwillonlyworkthroughSeptember2015,whenGoogleChromeplanstoendtheirsupportforJavaplug-inswiththeirnewestbrowser,Chromeversions45andabove.Therefore,Chromeusersusingversion45andabovewillnolongerbeabletousetheworkaroundandthuswillnotbeabletologintoEFS-WeborPrivatePAIR. OracleisrecommendingtheuseofalternativebrowserssuchasFirefox,InternetExplorer,andSafari.ForadditionalinformationregardingJavaandChromepleasevisithttps://java.com/en/download/faq/chrome.xmlAlthoughtheabovebrowsersshouldcontinuetoworkwithEFS-WebandPrivatePAIR,thereisalwaysapossibilitythattheseprovidersmaydecidetodiscontinuesupportofJavaplug-insaswell. TheUSPTOiscloselymonitoringforanychanges,andiscommittedtokeeptheIPCommunityinformedaccordingly.Furthermore,theUSPTOisinvestigatingiftherearepossiblestrategiestomitigatetheimpact.TheAgencyisworkingonalongertermplanto improvetheoverallauthenticationprocess. ForUSPTOupdatesregardingthisissuepleasevisiteitherofourAnnouncementspages:EFS–WebAnnouncements:http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/applying-online/efs-web-announcementsPAIRAnnouncements:http://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/checking-application-status/pair-announcements Ifyouneedassistancewiththismatter,orhavequestionsonanyeFilingtopic,pleasevisitthePatentElectronicBusinessCenterwebpageforcomprehensivecontactinformation,FAQ’s,andothereFilingresources.ADVISORY(17JUNE2015)PrivatePAIRiscurrentlyexperiencingintermittentissueswiththesearchfunctionality.Usersaregettingthemessage“Sorry,unabletoprocessyourrequestduetohighsystemvolume.” Weareinvestigatingandwehopetohavearesolutionsoon.Sorryfortheinconvenience.ADVISORY(13Jun2015)USPTOAnnouncesEnhancementstoPrivatePAIRBeginningonJune13,2015,userswillnoticeseveralnewPrivatePAIRfeaturesthatwillallowuserstoself-administeranumberofroutineadministrativetasksthatpreviouslyrequiredthesubmissionofapaperform. Theserequestswillbeprocessedimmediately.Theenhancementsincludetheabilitytosubmitentitystatuschanges,createnewcustomernumbers,submitcorrespondenceand/ormaintenancefeeaddresschanges,andviewsavedorsubmittedrequests. TheAddress&Attorney/Agenttabhasalsobeenenhancedtoincludecompleteinformationforcorrespondenceaddress,maintenancefeeaddressandpowerofattorneyinformation. AdditionalInformation:>>PAIRAdministrationFAQsEntityStatusChangesUponsearchinganapplicationthatisassociatedtoyourcustomernumber,an“Update”linkwillmadeavailableontheApplicationDatatabnexttotheEntityStatusallowingyoutosubmitarequesttochangetheentitystatusoftheapplication.ArecordoftheentitystatuschangewillbeaddedtotheImageFileWrapperandanentrywillbeaddedtotheTransactionHistorytab. UsersmaynoticethatallapplicationsaresettoRegularUndiscountedentitystatusbydefaultuponinitialfilinguntiltheapplicationcompletesformalitiesreview. Oncethisreviewiscomplete,theentitystatuswillbeupdatedbasedonanyassertionofsmallormicroentitystatus. Formoreinformation,pleaserefertotheEntityStatusQuickStartGuidelinkedbelow. >>EntityStatusChangeQSGCreateNewCustomerNumberFoundunderthe“PAIRAdministration”menu,userswillnowhavetheabilitytocreateanewcustomernumber.Userswillbeabletoenteraddressinformation,choosethepreferredmethodofoutgoingcorrespondence(Mail,e-Mail). Additionally,registeredpractitionerswillbeabletoassociateadditionalattorneysoragentstothecustomernumber.Formoreinformation,pleaserefertotheCreateNewCustomerNumberQuickStartGuidelinkedbelow.  >>CreateNewCustomerNumberQSGUpdateApplicationAddressFoundunderthe“PAIRAdministration”menu,userswillnowhavetheabilitytoupdatethecorrespondenceand/ormaintenancefeeaddressofupto20application/patentnumbers.RequestsmustbesubmittedbytheAttorneyorAgentofrecordwhohasbeengivenpowerofattorneyintheapplication. Atthistime,PrivatePAIRaddresschangesareonlyavailabletoregisteredpractitioners.Otheruserswillstillneedtosubmitaddresschangerequeststhroughexistingmethods.Formoreinformation,pleaserefertotheUpdateApplicationAddressQuickStartGuidelinkedbelow.>>UpdateApplicationAddressQSGViewSavedandCompletedRequestsFoundunderthe“PAIRAdministration”menu,userswillalsobeabletoviewpreviouslysavedandcompletedentitystatuschange,newcustomernumber,andaddresschangerequests. Savedrequestswillbeavailableforuptosevendaysandsubmittedrequestswillbeavailableforuptothepast90days.Address&Attorney/AgenttabTheAddress&Attorney/Agenttabhasbeenenhancedtoincludecompletecorrespondenceaddress,maintenancefeeaddressandpowerofattorneyinformation. Linkshavebeenaddedtothetopofthepageforeachtype. Eachpagewillincludetheaddress,customernumberandattorney/agentinformationthatisassociatedtothegivenapplication. Ifinformationisnotavailable,datawillnotbedisplayedonthepage.    ADVISORY(06MAY2015) EffectiveMay13,2015,U.S.applicantswillbeabletouseEFS-WebtofileinternationaldesignapplicationsthroughtheUSPTOasanofficeofindirectfiling.LearnmoreattheEFS-WebAnnouncementsPageandtheHagueAgreementresourcepage. Uponfiling,theseapplicationswillalsobeavailableforviewinginPrivatePAIR. Inaddition,theU.S.applicationfileforaWIPOpublishedinternationaldesignapplicationdesignatingtheUnitedStateswillbeavailableforviewinginbothPrivateandPublicPAIR. >>Moreinfo>>EFS-WebQuickStartGuide>>PAIRQuickStartGuideADVISORY (11April2015) USPTOAnnouncesEnhancementstoPrivatePAIRBeginningonApril11,2015,PrivatePAIRuserswillnoticethefollowingnewsystemenhancements:e-OfficeActionCustomerNumberSearchInresponsetonumerousrequestsfrome-OfficeActionparticipants,we’vecreatedadedicatedsearchqueryexclusivelyfore-OfficeActionparticipants. Asearchcanbecompletedforaspecificdateaswellasadaterange. Searchresultswillmatchthedailye-notificationanduserswillbeabletosearchthepast90-daysusingacalendarfunction.Thenewsearchoptioncanbefoundunderthe‘SearchbyCustomerNumber’menu.Formoreinformationonthee-OfficeActionprogramandhowtousethenewsearchfeature,pleaserefertothee-OfficeActionQuickStartGuide.ADVISORY (24January2015)USPTOAnnouncesEnhancementstoPublicandPrivatePAIRBeginningonJanuary24th,2015,PAIRuserswillnoticethefollowingnewsystemenhancements:AssignmentInformationAssignmentinformation(AssignmentsTab)willnowbeavailableforallapplicationsinbothPublicandPrivatePAIR. Previously,assignmentinformationwasonlymadeavailabletoPrivatePAIRuserswhowereassociatedtotheapplication.SupplementalExaminationCasesForSupplementalExaminationcases,whenthedocument,ListofItemsofInformation–SuppExam(SE.ITEM.LIST)isavailableinIFW,itwillalsobelistedintheReferenceFormssectionundertheDisplayReferencestabinbothPublicandPrivatePAIR. Attorney/AgentStatusInformationAttorney/AgentinformationhasbeenupdatedtoaccuratelyreflectcurrentstatusundertheAddress&Attorney/Agenttab. IfanAttorney/Agentisinastatusotherthan“Active”,a“NotActive”labelwillappearnexttotheindividual’sname.AttorneyDocketNumberSearchInresponsetouserfeedback,theAttorneyDocketNumbersearchhasbeenrelocated. TheAttorneyDocketSearchwillnowbelocatedundertheSearchforApplicationsectioninPrivatePAIR. Advisory(08NOV2014):BeginningonNovember8th,2014,PAIRuserswillnoticethefollowingnewsystemenhancements:TheHagueAgreementConcerningtheInternationalRegistrationofIndustrialDesigns("HagueAgreement")InpreparationfortheHagueAgreementtakingeffectwithrespecttotheUnitedStates,theUSPTOPAIRsystemisbeingupgradedtoallowuserstosearchforapplicationsbyinternationalregistrationnumberoncetheHagueAgreementhastakeneffectwithrespecttotheUnitedStatesandthisinformationbecomesavailable.Likewise,twonewrelateddataelementshavebeenaddedtotheApplicationDatatabinanticipationoftheHagueAgreementhavingeffectintheUnitedStates.TolearnmoreabouthowPAIRwilldisplayinformationfordesignapplicationsfiledpursuanttotheHagueAgreement,clickhere.TolearnmoreabouttheHagueAgreementConcerningtheInternationalRegistrationofIndustrialDesigns,clickhere.PLEASENOTE:AnydataassociatedwithinternationaldesignapplicationswillnotbeavailableinPAIRuntilaftertheGenevaActoftheHagueAgreementhastakeneffectwithrespecttotheUnitedStates.Attemptingtosearchforinternationaldesignapplicationsordataassociatedwiththeseapplicationspriortothatdatewillaccordinglyresultinanerrormessagebeingdisplayed.Public/PrivateviewindicatorWhenviewinganapplicationinPrivatePAIR,anewindicatorisdisplayedontheApplicationDatatabspecifyingwhethertheuserisviewingtheapplicationasapublicuseroraprivateowner.CorrespondenceAddressCustomerNumberalwaysdisplayedThecustomernumberassignedforCorrespondenceAddresswillnowappearontheApplicationDatatabforallapplicationsaswelltheAddressandAttorney/AgenttabinbothPublicandPrivatePAIR.PKIusernameaddedtoPAIRmenubarPrivatePAIRwillnowpresentthedigitalcertificateholder'snameontheSign-OffAuthenticatedSessionmenuthroughouttheusersession.NewCollapsibleMenusCollapsiblemenushavebeenaddedtothePrivatePAIRsearchscreentoimprovethedisplayofthevarioussearchoptions.SearchforApplicationSearchbyCustomerNumberPAIRAdministrationThePAIRAdministrationmenuhasbeenaddedinadvanceoffuturePAIRfunctionality,whichwillallowuserstoself-administersomeselectadministrativetasks. Advisory(26SEP2014):TheAfterFinalConsiderationPilot(AFCP)2.0andtheQuickPathIDS(QPIDS)pilothavebeenextendedthroughSeptember30th,2015.PleasevisitthePatentApplicationInitiativeswebpage,http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/patapp-initiatives-timeline.jspforfurtherinformationaboutthesepilots.CheckoutthenewfeaturesofAFCP2.0aswellaslearnaboutadditionaloptionsforcompactprosecutionandincreasedcollaborationbetweenexaminersandstakeholders.Advisory(04AUG2014):TheinstructionsforPrivatePAIRPublicationReviewDataChangeshavebeenrevised.SubmittedrequeststhatcomplywiththeinstructionswillbeenteredintoIFWandwillbeprocessedbytheappropriatedivision.Fordetailedinstructions,pleaseclickhere.AnnouncementArchives:2014,2013,2012,2011,2010,2009Alertse-BizAlerts-Checkcurrentstatus,plannedevents,descriptions,operatingrequirements/compatibilitiesandstandardhoursofavailabilityforonlinebusinesssystemsViewCurrentStatusandPlannedEventse-CommercePatentsAlerts-Receiveup-to-dateinformation,includingnewsandsystemenhancements,regardingtheUSPTOPatentse-CommerceprogramsSignuptoreceivePatentsAlerts Helpful Great!Wewouldliketoknowwhatyoufoundhelpfulaboutthispage.Comments*Wemayhavequestionsaboutyourfeedback,pleaseprovideyouremailaddress.Name(optional)Email* NotHelpful We'reSorry.TheUSPTOiscurrentlyimprovingourcontenttobetterserveyou.Canyoudescribetheproblem?TheUSPTOiscurrentlyimprovingourcontenttobetterserveyou.Canyoudescribetheproblem?Thiswasn'twhatIexpected.Thisdoesn'tapplytome.Icouldn'tunderstandit.Ineedmoreinformation.Howcouldweimprovethispage?*Wemayhavequestionsaboutyourfeedback,pleaseprovideyouremailaddress.Name(optional)Email* Share Print×CloseHaveacommentaboutthewebpageyouwereviewing?Writeyourmessage*Wemayhavequestionsaboutyourfeedback,pleaseprovideyouremailaddress.Emailaddress*Forotherassistance,pleaseseeourcontactuspage.SendFeedbackCancel