EFS-Web and Private PAIR authentication change: PKI termination date

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Patent Alert

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EFS-Web and Private PAIR authentication change: PKI termination date  

EFS-Web and Private PAIR users will no longer be able to authenticate using PKI certificates as of February 15. There is now a new, simpler, and safer login method. The USPTO is moving from using PKI certificates for two-factor authentication because the software will no longer be supported.

We strongly encourage you to start using your USPTO.gov accounts to sign into EFS-Web and Private PAIR now to ensure a smooth transition for your organization in view of PKI terminations.

Creating an account

If you or your support staff do not already have USPTO.gov accounts, you and each of your staff will need to create one and opt in for two-step authentication. 

Migrating an existing account

If you are a registered practitioner or independent inventor with an existing PKI digital certificate, use the Migration Tool with these step-by-step instructions to link your new USPTO.gov account to your current PKI digital certificates. The Migration Tool will no longer be available as of March 1.

Sponsoring support staff

Registered practitioners can use the Sponsorship Tool to sponsor their support staff to work on their behalf. Please follow these step-by-step instructions. Once support staff are successfully sponsored, they will be able to sign in using their own USPTO.gov accounts and to select the registered practitioner on whose behalf that they are working.

Using your new account

Use these new URLs for EFS-Web and Private PAIR when signing in with your USPTO.gov account. You will need to update any bookmarks you may have.

More information

Please review the Patent Electronic System Access Document for additional information on authentication, sponsorship, and verification for accessing patent electronic systems.

We invite you to register for multiple information sessions related to this authentication change. New information will be added as it becomes available. 

For more information, visit Authentication Change for EFS-Web and PAIR.

If you need assistance creating your USPTO.gov account, please call the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199. For assistance with migration, sponsorship, or signing into EFS-Web and PAIR, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center at ebc@uspto.gov or 866-217-9197.