AIPLA Comments on Patent Center and the Retirement of EFS-Web and Private PAIR
Written October 30, 2023
Arlington, VA. October 30, 2023 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on the upcoming transition to Patent Center as a replacement for EFS-Web and Private PAIR by the USPTO.
The comments acknowledge the potential of Patent Center as an improved system for electronic filing and managing patent applications, appreciating the Office's efforts in its development and outreach to stakeholders. However, the comments note that Patent Center is not yet fully prepared to replace EFS-Web and Private PAIR. They mention significant errors and missing features in Patent Center, such as sponsorship features, causing disruptions in established work processes. The comments note the findings from a survey AIPLA conducted of our membership, revealing user discomfort with the transition, and noted instances of Patent Center unavailability. AIPLA recommends delaying the full transition to Patent Center, at least until the first calendar quarter, and ensuring suitable backup IT contingencies. The comments note AIPLA’s willingness to continue gathering information and working with the Office to address transition issues.
To view the complete comments, please download the comment letter posted to the right of this page.