EFS-Web Overview
EFS-Web Overview
EFS-Web is the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO’s) easy-to-use, web-
based patent application and document submission solution. Using EFS-Web, anyone with
a web-enabled computer can file patent applications and documents without download-
ing special software or changing document preparation tools and processes.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
EFS-Web utilizes standard web-based screens and prompts to enable you to submit a por-
table document format (PDF) document directly to the USPTO within minutes. You choose
the tool, process and workflow with which you author your documents; convert them to
standard PDF files and then submit them to USPTO’s secure servers. EFS-Web is safe, simple
and secure and gives you all of the same benefits as paper filings, including an electronic
receipt that acknowledges your submission date.
EFS-Web Benefits
EFS-Web brings several important benefits to anyone who needs to submit patent applica-
tions or follow-on documents:
EFS-Web is safe.
Filings made with EFS-Web provide you with the same legal protection as paper-based fil-
ings. You receive an electronic receipt and confirmation, as well as the ability to print the
receipt for your records, affirming your receipt date.
EFS-Web is simple.
Even the largest and most complex patent applications can be submitted by attaching the
appropriate files and filling out a few simple web screens.
EFS-Web is secure.
EFS-Web is fast.
In just a few minutes and using a few web screens, you can submit a patent application,
pay for your filing and receive an acknowledgment receipt.
EFS-Web is flexible.
EFS-Web requires you to make no changes to the tools, processes or workflows you use to
author patent applications and documents. Filing with EFS-Web does not require you to
learn how to use new authoring tools.
EFS-Web is forgiving.
EFS-Web validates whether the PDF files and data you’re trying to file can be accepted
before they are submitted. If there’s a problem, EFS-Web will tell you why the document
can’t be submitted – allowing you to take corrective action quickly.
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
EFS-Web Overview
How EFS-Web Works
EFS-Web is a hosted patent application and document submission solution that is acces-
sible to anyone who has access to a computer and an Internet connection. USPTO operates
EFS-Web on its secure servers.
By navigating through just a few simple screens, EFS-Web allows anyone to file patent
applications and documents – even individuals who do not have a USPTO customer num-
ber.
EFS-Web Sandbox Link
Below is the URL to the online model of EFS-Web where you can practice going through
the interface for submitting applications and documents:
http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/portal/tutorials.htm
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
EFS-Web Overview
EFS-Web Features
Web Access
A computer, an Internet browser and an Internet connection are your tickets to electronic
filing. Users can access EFS-Web by navigating to the www.USPTO.gov website and clicking
on “File online in EFS-Web” under Patents.
Filings Accepted
EFS-Web accepts new Accelerated Exam, Design, Design Reissue, International Application
for filing in the US receiving office, Provisional, Reexam, Utility, Utility Reissue and National
Stage applications under 35 USC 371. Registered eFilers may also file follow-on documents
for previously filed applications and a Petition under 37 CFR 1.378(c). Both registered and
unregistered can file a Pre-Grant Publication under 37 CFR 1.211 to 1.221.
File Formats Accepted
EFS-Web accepts standard PDF documents up to 25 megabytes per file. TXT files are also
accepted for submission of mega tables, bio-sequence listings and computer program list-
ings, chemical formulae, mathematical formulae, and 3D protein crystals. Finally, ZIP files are
accepted for submission of international applications (ONLY when using PCT-SAFE).
PDF Writers
The EFS-Web team has tested many PDF writers for proper conversion into USPTO systems.
These include (but are not limited to):
✔ Adobe Acrobat Professional
✔ ABXPDFWriter (Freeware)
✔ Open Office (Freeware)
✔ Easy Office (Ad ware)
✔ Cute PDF (Freeware)
✔ PDF 995 (Ad ware)
✔ Primo PDF (Freeware)
USPTO supports Adobe PDF standards versions 1.1 to 1.6 for PDF creation. Adobe Reader
7.0.9 or higher is required to use EFS-Web Fillable forms. A detailed listing of PDF guidelines
may be found on USPTO’s Electronic filing web page.
Registered and Unregistered Filers
While EFS-Web gives anyone who accesses the site the ability to submit patent applications
and documents, you can get more benefit from the system as a registered filer, including
filing any follow-on papers, viewing the last 20 acknowledgement receipts and saving the
package before submission. Registering is easy and can be done by submitting PTO-2042,
the Certificate Action form, to USPTO’s Electronic Business Center, who will then issue a
Digital Certificate that authenticates your identity.
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
EFS-Web Overview
Security
EFS-Web is a secure hosted application, no matter whether you are a registered or an
unregistered filer. If you file as an unregistered filer, your documents will be transmitted
using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. If you choose to
register, your filings will be conducted under a Public Key Infrastructure system that pro-
vides authentication and encryption security.
Built-In File Validation
EFS-Web automatically validates files and informs you before submission whether your
application meets USPTO standards. If it doesn’t meet standards, you’ll be notified of the
problem so you can take corrective action before final submission.
Online Payment of Fees
EFS-Web allows you to pay filing fees in an e-commerce environment, smoothing the pro-
cess and allowing you to select the payment option that you desire. It’s important to note
that unregistered users may not pay any fees online through EFS-Web after their initial
filing submission.
Valid Electronic Receipt
EFS-Web provides an Acknowledgement Receipt that contains critical information, includ-
ing a time and date stamp, an application number and a confirmation number. This elec-
tronic receipt may be printed, and it carries the security and authority of the post card
receipt commonly provided in paper-filed applications.
Public/Private PAIR
EFS-Web submissions are viewable in Public/Private PAIR just like paper applications. If you
are a registered filer, your patent applications and documents are available in Private PAIR in
a short time. Private PAIR is accessible through the Acknowledgment Receipt screen when
an application has been submitted.
Support
Technical support is available through USPTO’s Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-
9197 from 6 a.m. to 12 Midnight Eastern Time, Monday – Friday.
Training
Training and EFS-Web QuickStart Guides are provided on the USPTO EFS-Web page. Self-
paced Computer Based Training will be available 24 x 7 in various file formats, including
Windows Media, Real Media, PowerPoint and PDF files.
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
EFS-Web Overview
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
EFS-Web Overview
EFS-Web Overview Browser and Adobe Reader Compatibility
The following browser and Adobe Reader version combinations for opening
PDFs in a browser window are supported (marked by an ‘x’).
NEEDS UPDATING
Contact Us Today
USPTO is committed to assisting the intellectual property community in moving towards
electronic submission of all patent applications and documents. For more information on
EFS-Web, visit our website at www.USPTO.gov.
* United States Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
