If you have ever conducted patent business with the USPTO through its EFS-Web system and provided the USPTO with your e-mail address, you likely received a letter of gratitude from the Commissioner of Patents himself. John Doll, the present Commissioner of Patents for the USPTO, praised its e-Commerce customers, noting in part that “[t]he success of our electronic filing system, EFS-Web, could not have been achieved without the dedication, patience, time and effort contributed by our customers and stakeholders.” Although I still conduct some business with the USPTO by mail and fax, the majority of my own transactions with the USPTO are electronic, especially given that the time it takes to upload documentation for filing has reduced significantly over time, making most, if not all, EFS-Web transactions quick and easy to perform. I have included a number of EFS-Web links below for your convenience.

USPTO EFS-Web Help & Tutorial Webpage: LINK
USPTO EFS-Web FAQ Webpage: LINK
USPTO EFS-Web Benefits Webpage: LINK
USPTO EFS-Web Tutorials Webpage: LINK
USPTO EFS-Web Webinar Archive Webpage: LINK

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Dear Valued Patents e-Commerce Customer,

Due to your commitment and support of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) e-Commerce initiatives, the USPTO made tremendous strides in 2007. Together, we have achieved a significant goal by making electronic submissions of new patent applications and follow-on papers easier for the intellectual property community.

The success of our electronic filing system, EFS-Web, could not have been achieved without the dedication, patience, time and effort contributed by our customers and stakeholders. Due to the widespread usage of EFS-Web, the USPTO exceeded its fiscal year 2007 goal and received nearly 50 percent of all patent applications electronically. We know it isn’t easy to change an existing process, which makes us even more grateful that you have chosen to adopt EFS-Web.

We would like to thank you for also taking the time to provide the agency with feedback on all of our systems by participating in pilot programs, feedback questionnaires, and focus sessions. Your voice has helped drive the success of the USPTO and its e-Commerce goals.

We welcome your feedback as we continue to plan and implement new e-Commerce initiatives in 2008. Please send an e-mail to EFS.Training@USPTO.gov if you have any suggestions you would like to share. I look forward to the future and how we can continue to improve the patent prosecution process and the quality of patents in the new year.

Best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

John Doll
Commissioner for Patents

United States Patent and Trademark Office