USPTO News: e-Commerce Update

    By Christopher P. Singer --

An e-Alert sent out on March 26, 2008 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office contained information regarding enhancements in Private PAIR 7.2, e-Office action and reminder postcards, and a quick way to link to recent e-filing acknowledgment receipts.

New Private PAIR 7.2 Enhancements

On March 22, 2008, the USPTO launched Private PAIR 7.2.  The update provides a number of enhanced features many of which were prompted by user requests.  Two particular enhancements include improvements to searching tools where users can now select an "unviewed" filter for searches on Outgoing Correspondence, and the ability to review prior searches by Customer Number and Attorney Docket Number.  A complete list of information regarding Private PAIR 7.2 can be reviewed here.

e-Filing Submission Confirmations

When e-filing an application or follow-on papers in an existing application, filers receive an acknowledgment receipt which functions essentially as a return-receipt postcard when filing by regular mail.  While these receipts can be viewed, printed, and downloaded once the filing process is complete, you can also link directly to an e-filing receipt through the "My Workplace" section, which is accessible on the certification page once a user logs in.  When the "My Workplace" radial button is selected, you can view the acknowledgment receipts for your forty most recent filings.  The listings include all application information (serial number, first named inventor, title, and docket number) as well as a link that opens the associated confirmation receipt as a PDF file.

If you have any questions regarding acknowledgment receipts, or e-filing in general, the Electronic Business Center (EBC) can be contacted by phone (1-866-217-9197) or e-mail (ebc@uspto.gov).

e-Office Action Program

For practitioners enrolled in the e-Office action pilot program, you are likely familiar with the electronic communication the Office sends in order to notify you that an Office action has issued.  In addition to that electronic notification, you may also receive a reminder postcard by regular mail.  The Office sends such postcards when an Office action issues and is not viewed or downloaded within seven days of its posting.