Patent Law

Enhanced Version of EFS-WEB Coming Soon

By mike

© 2008, Michael E. Kondoudis

The USPTO is planning to release an enhanced version of its web-based patent application and document submission system on August 17, 2008.  The enhanced version, EFS-Web 1.4, will include some new features, several of which are based on EFS-Web user requests.

With this enhanced version, all users will be able to launch their e-mail programs through EFS-Web to send information about Acknowledgement Receipts and Pre-Acknowledgement Receipts. Also, registered e-Filers will be able to view newly prepared patent applications if saved in submission packages that are associated with their Customer Numbers and launch e-filed applications in Private PAIR with a click of the PAIR button on the Last 40 Acknowledgement Receipts screen.

From the USPTO website:

The USPTO is pleased to announce the upcoming release of EFS-Web 1.4 on August 17, 2008. New features with this release include:

* BIS Statement on Login Screen: Registered e-Filers must check the checkbox indicating that they have read and accept the terms of the BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) Statement on the Login screen prior to authentication. The BIS statement will be removed from My Workplace. See EAR (Export Administration Regulation) section of FAQ for more info: http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/efs_faq.htm

* Sequence Listing Enhancements:  e-Filers will be able to upload one sequence listing (txt) file up to 100 MB per submission.  The sequence listing file must be uploaded separately from other types of files.  Sequence listing files that exceed 100MB can be submitted on compact disc via Express Mail. EFS-Web will also display a warning if the sequence listing does not conform to the ST.24 or ST.25 format.

* View Saved Submissions by Customer Number: Registered e-Filers will be able to view Saved Submission packages created for new applications that are associated with their Customer Numbers.

* PAIR Button: Registered e-Filers will be able to launch their e-filed applications in Private PAIR with a click of the PAIR button on the Last 40 Acknowledgement Receipts screen.

* Delete Button on the Attach Document Screen:  e-Filers will be able to delete unwanted files prior to Upload and Validate.
* E-mail Acknowledgement Receipt Info: e-Filers will be able to launch their e-mail programs to send information about Acknowledgement Receipts and Pre-Acknowledgement Receipts.

* Practitioner Registration Status Warning: Registered practitioners will receive a warning to contact the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) if their registration status is not active to practice before the USPTO.

* National Stage Enhancements: When filing a National Stage under 35 USC 371 application, e-Filers will be able to edit the PCT Number and International Filing Date on the Application Data Screen.  EFS-Web will warn applicants if the PCT Number and Filing Date are mismatched.

* First Action Interview Warning on the Attach Document Screen: e-Filers requesting enrollment in the First Action Interview (FAI) pilot program must check a checkbox to confirm compliance with FAI eligibility requirements.

* Fee Codes: Since Priority Documents are now free of charge, the 8007 Fee Code will be removed from the PCT Calculate Fee screen. The 1708 and 1463 Fee Codes have been added to the PCT Calculate Fee screen.. The 1814 Fee Code (Statutory disclaimer) will appear under the “Miscellaneous Patent Fees” and “Post Allowance & Post Issuance Fees” categories.

A Final Point ? The USPTO warns that saved submission packages created before August 17, 2008 will not be retrievable after the enhanced version of EFS-Web is deployed.

Click here to read the USPTO announcement.

Share This

Full post as published by Patentablydefined.com on August 12, 2008 (boomark / email).