EFS-Web Guidance and Resources

EFS-Web is safe. Filings made with EFS-Web provide you with the same legal protection as paper-based filings. 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 PDF files and filling out a few simple web screens.
EFS-Web is secure. EFS-Web submissions are protected through state-of-the-art security methods, including Transport Layer Security (TLS), and if you sign up as a registered filer, Digital Certificates, one of the most secure methods now available.
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.

Getting Started

EFS-Web Overview [PDF 3.6MB]

EFS-Web Best Practices
- EFS-Web Reference Guide [PDF 1.68MB]
Customer Number & Digital Certificates
- Associate your PCT application with a Customer Number[PDF 25KB]
- Security [PDF 1MB]
  - How to ... Security & Other Settings
    - >> Computer Based Training - PKI [PPT, 131 MB> Free Viewer ]
EFS-Web Hardware and Software Compatibility [PDF 179KB] (7MAY2012)
JAVA Settings [PDF 750KB]
- How to ... Cookie & JAVA Settings
- How to ... JAVA Installation for Web Browsers
  - >> Computer Based Training - JAVA [PPT, 122 MB> Free Viewer ]
PDF Guidelines -Directions for creating PDF files that may be submitted to the USPTO via EFS
PDF Creation [PDF 768KB]
- >> Computer Based Training - About PDF Files [PPT, 135 MB> Free Viewer ]
- Job Options [ uspto.joboptions for PDF 4KB ]
  - Directions for Use of Job Options file [PDF 6MB]
- Download ABX PDF Writer

EFS-Web eForms (Fillable Forms)
- Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
- USPTO Forms page
- PDF Fillable Forms Overview[PDF 167KB]
  - >> Computer Based Training - PDF Fillable Forms [PPT, 146 MB> Free Viewer ]

Legal Framework (06APRIL2011)
Privacy Policy (27MAY2010)
PKI Subscribers Agreement [PDF 111KB](17DEC2009)
EFS-Web ePetition Resource Page - Information regarding the automatic processing and immediate grant of ePetitions
Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program
Prioritized Examination (Track 1) - Information about filing a Prioritized Examination including FAQs, guidelines, and other useful resources.
eTerminal Disclaimer Page - Information about filing an eTerminal Disclaimer

Full technical support for EFS-Web is available through the Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free) or 571-272-4100 from 6 a.m. to 12 Midnight Eastern Time, Monday – Friday.