Help

1. ADD DOCUMENTS

The Add Documents page allows you to search for patents and applications using patent numbers, application numbers, or advanced search criteria.

Search results can be viewed immediately or saved to a portfolio for future access.

1.1 Search for applications

Two primary search fields are available.

Patent Numbers

Search for applications associated with one or more patent numbers.

• Enter a complete patent number to search for that specific patent
• Use a wildcard at the end of an entry to search for a series of patent numbers
• Enter multiple patent numbers separated by spaces or new lines

Application Numbers

Search for one or more applications by their application numbers.

• Enter a complete application number to search for a specific application
• Use a wildcard at the end of an entry to search for a series of application numbers
• Enter multiple application numbers separated by spaces or new lines

Combining Search Fields

Both Patent Numbers and Application Numbers fields are optional.

If both fields are empty, the search uses the criteria entered in the Advanced Search section.

If both fields contain search terms, the application returns applications matching either field.

The search therefore applies an OR condition between Patent Numbers and Application Numbers.

For example, if you search for patent number 12345678 and application number 12345678, the results include applications associated with patent 12,345,678 OR application 12/345,678.

1.2 Advanced Search

The Advanced Search section provides additional criteria to refine your search.

Available search fields include:

Combining Advanced Search Criteria

Advanced Search fields use AND conditions.

When multiple advanced criteria are entered, results must match all the specified criteria.

For example, entering a Filing or 371(c) Year and a First Named Applicant returns only applications matching both conditions.

Advanced Search criteria can also be combined with Patent Numbers and Application Numbers to narrow the results.

1.3 Filter and Sort

Additional options allow you to refine and organize search results.

Patented Case Only

Enable this option to limit results to non-expired Patented cases.

Sort By

Use the Sort By dropdown to select how results should be ordered:

• Filing date ↓
• Filing date ↑
• Last updated ↓
• Application Number
• Patent Number
• Title of Invention

1.4 Run Search

Click RUN SEARCH to execute the search using the specified criteria.

The results appear in the Results pane.

1.5 Clear Search Form

Click CLEAR SEARCH FORM to reset the search fields and start a new search.

1.6 Search Results

The Results pane displays applications or patents matching your search criteria.

Number of Results

The total number of matching applications is displayed.

Pagination

Search results are displayed in pages of up to 25 applications.

When more than 25 applications match your search, use the Page number dropdown to navigate between pages.

Select a page number to display its results.

Available Actions

Each result row provides actions to access application information or save the application.

1.7 Save applications to a Portfolio

Applications can be saved in My Documents for convenient access without having to repeat searches.

Saved applications are organized into collections called Portfolios.

Before adding applications, select the portfolio in which they should be saved.

Select an Existing Portfolio

Use the Portfolio dropdown list to select an existing portfolio.

Applications added from the search results will be saved to that portfolio.

Create a New Portfolio

To create a portfolio:

1. Enter the new portfolio name in the designated field
2. Click the + button to create the portfolio
3. Use the new portfolio when saving applications

Save an Individual application

To save a single application:

1. Select the destination portfolio
2. Locate the application in the search results
3. Click the ADD button on the corresponding result row

The application is added to the selected portfolio.

Save All Listed Results

To save multiple applications at once:

1. Select the destination portfolio
2. Click ADD LISTED RESULTS

All applications displayed on the current results page are added to the selected portfolio.

Important: If your search returns more than 25 applications, only those displayed on the current page are added. Navigate to other pages and repeat the operation if you want to save additional applications.

1.8 View an application

Click VIEW on a result row to open the Application page.

See Section 3 — Application.

1.9 Access application Files

Click FILES on a result row to access the files associated with the application.

2. MY DOCUMENTS

The My Documents page provides access to applications you have saved.

Saved applications are organized by Portfolio, allowing you to create personal collections for different projects, subjects, or research activities.

You can open the application page, access associated files, or remove applications from a portfolio.

2.1 Browse Portfolios

Each portfolio contains the applications previously saved to it from the Add Documents page.

Browse your portfolios to locate and access saved applications.

2.2 Refresh

Click REFRESH to update the application lists associated with your portfolios.

Use this option to retrieve the latest available portfolios.

2.3 Add Documents

Click ADD DOCUMENTS to return to the search page.

You can perform additional searches and save more applications to your portfolios.

2.4 View application Information

Click VIEW on an application row to open the corresponding application page.

2.5 Access application Files

Click FILES on an application row to access the files associated with the application.

2.6 Remove an application

To remove an application from a portfolio:

1. Locate the application in the portfolio
2. Click REMOVE on the corresponding row

Note: Removing an application from a portfolio removes it only from the portfolio it is in. The application may still be listed in another portfolio

Note: Removing the last application from a portfolio also removes the portfolio.

3. Application

The Application page provides detailed information about a selected application and access to its associated documents and files.

The page is organized into eight tabs:

3.1 Patent | Publication

The Patent | Publication tab provides buttons to download the Published Patent Document and the Patent Application Full Text and Image, as well as a link to access to the Patent Maintenance Fee.

OCR Help

Click OCR to display instructions explaining how to search for text or copy text from downloaded documents.

3.2 Application

The Application tab displays detailed information and metadata associated with the applications well as Foreign Priority list.

Field Information

Click the ⓘ button next to a data field to display additional information about that field.

Inventors

When the list of inventors is collapsed, click ALL INVENTORS to expand it and display the complete list with name and address.

Applicants

When the list of applicants is collapsed, click ALL APPLICANTS to expand it and display the complete list with name and address.

3.3 Transactions

The Transactions tab displays the history of activities associated with the application.

Entries are sorted chronologically, with the most recent events at the top.

Field Information

Click the ⓘ button next to a data field to display additional information about that field.

3.4 Files

The Files tab provides access to PDF documents and other files associated with the application.

Files are listed with the most recent files first.

From this tab, you can:

• Refresh the file list
• View individual PDF files in your browser
• Download individual PDF files
• Request a ZIP file containing multiple PDFs
• Display additional files bundled with PDFs
• Filter files by code
• Access OCR instructions

3.4.1 Refresh File List

Click REFRESH to update the list of files associated with the application.

Use this option to retrieve the latest available files.

3.4.2 Download Multiple Files

Click DOWNLOAD FILES to request a ZIP archive containing the PDF files currently listed.

This feature is useful when downloading a large number of files.

How It Works

The download process is asynchronous: the ZIP archive is assembled in the cloud rather than immediately downloaded to your computer.

To request a download:

1. Open the Files tab
2. Optionally apply a Code Filter to limit the files included
3. Click DOWNLOAD FILES
4. A confirmation message indicates that the request has been submitted
5. Open the Downloads page to check the status of the request
6. Once the ZIP file is ready, download it to your computer

You can access the Downloads page using either the top navigation menu or the button provided in the download request confirmation message.

Email Notification

An email is sent when your requested ZIP archive is ready for download.

Important: ZIP files remain available for download for 24 hours from the time of the request. After this period, the download link expires and you must submit a new request.

3.4.3 Show Other Files

Some PDF documents may be bundled with additional files, including:

• Microsoft Word documents
• Images
• XML files
• Other supporting documents

Click SHOW OTHER FILES to display these additional files in the file list.

Click the button again to hide them.

This feature toggles the visibility of the bundled files.

3.4.4 Filter Files by Code

Use the Code Filter dropdown to filter the list of files.

You can select one or more codes and deselect them.

Only files matching the selected codes are displayed.

Important: When you use DOWNLOAD FILES, only PDF files included in the currently filtered list are added to the ZIP archive.

To download all listed PDF files without applying a code restriction, clear the Code Filter before submitting the download request.

3.4.5 View a PDF File

Click VIEW on a file row to display the corresponding PDF document in your web browser.

The document opens in a separate browser window or tab.

Browser Requirement: Pop-up windows must be enabled for the application to use the VIEW buttons.

If nothing happens when you click VIEW, check whether your browser is blocking pop-up windows for the application.

3.4.6 Download an Individual PDF

Click DOWNLOAD on a file row to download the corresponding PDF document.

The file is saved to your browser's configured download location, normally your computer's Downloads folder.

Unlike the DOWNLOAD FILES feature, individual PDF downloads do not require the creation of a ZIP archive.

3.4.7 OCR Help

Click OCR for instructions on searching for or copying text from downloaded PDF documents.

3.5 PTA

The PTA tab displays Patent Term Adjustment and Patent Term Adjustment History associated with the application.

Patent Term Adjustment History is displayed chronologically, with the most recent events at the top.

Field Information

Click the ⓘ button next to a data field to display additional information about that field.

3.6 Contact

The Contact tab displays Correspondance and Attorney/Agent information associated with the application.

Contacts include:

• Registration Number
• Category (Attorney, Agent)
• Status
• Address
• Phone Numbers

3.7 Continuity

The Continuity tab displays Parent and Child Continuity Data associated with the application.

Parent Continuity Data include:

• Description
• Parent Application with link
• Filing Dare
• Status
• AIA (Yes | No)
• Patent Number with link

Child Continuity Data include:

• Child Application with link
• Filing Dare
• Status
• AIA (Yes | No)
• Patent Number with link
• Description

3.8 Assignments

The Assignments tab contains Assignments and assignment documents associated with the application.

Click the ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT button to download the document to your local Download folder.

Field Information

Click the ⓘ button next to a data field to display additional information about that field.

4. DOWNLOADS

The Downloads page lists ZIP archives requested through the application Files tab.

Because ZIP archives are assembled asynchronously in the cloud, they may not be available immediately after a request.

Use this page to check whether your requested downloads are ready.

4.1 View Download Requests

The page displays your ZIP file download requests.

Once an archive has been prepared, it becomes available for download.

4.2 Refresh Download List

Click REFRESH to update the list and check whether requested ZIP files are available.

You can also wait for the email notification confirming that a ZIP file is ready.

4.3 Download a ZIP File

When a requested ZIP archive is ready:

1. Open the Downloads page
2. Locate the requested ZIP file
3. Click DOWNLOAD
4. The ZIP file is downloaded to your computer's configured Downloads folder

Extracting ZIP Files

A ZIP archive contains one or more documents compressed into a single file.

To access the individual documents, the archive must be extracted.

On macOS: ZIP files are commonly expanded automatically when opened or by your browser's download settings.

On Windows: Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract All to extract its contents.

Download Expiration

Requested ZIP archives remain available for 24 hours after the original download request.

After 24 hours, the download link expires.

If you still need the files, return to the relevant application and submit a new DOWNLOAD FILES request.

Recommendation: Download your ZIP archives promptly after receiving the availability notification.

5. MY ACCOUNT

The My Account page provides access to your personal profile and subscription information.

Three main functions are available.

5.1 View Profile

Click VIEW to display your account profile.

5.2 Edit Profile

Click EDIT to update your profile information.

5.3 Subscription

Click SUBSCRIPTION to access subscription management.

The available functions include:

Subscribe to the Service

Start a subscription to the application.

Check Subscription Status

View information about your current subscription and its status.

Cancel Subscription

Access the option to cancel your subscription.

6. COMMON TASKS

This section summarizes the most frequently used application workflows.

6.1 Find and Save a Patent or an application

1. Open Add Documents
2. Enter a Patent Number, an Application Number, or Advanced Search criteria
3. Click RUN SEARCH
4. Review the results
5. Select an existing Portfolio or create a new one
6. Click ADD to save an individual application, or ADD LISTED RESULTS to save all applications displayed on the current page
7. Open My Documents to access your saved applications

6.2 Find Multiple Patents

1. Open Add Documents
2. Enter full Patent Numbers or Patent Number prefixes followed by the wildcard character
3. Optionally enter additional Patent Numbers or prefixes, separated by spaces or new lines
4. Add Advanced Search criteria if needed
5. Click RUN SEARCH
6. Navigate through the results using the pagination controls

6.3 Download One PDF Document

1. Open the relevant application
2. Select the Files tab
3. Locate the PDF document
4. Click DOWNLOAD on the corresponding row
5. Open the PDF from your computer's Downloads folder

6.4 Download All PDF Files for an application

1. Open the relevant application
2. Select the Files tab
3. Make sure no unwanted Code Filter is applied
4. Click DOWNLOAD FILES
5. Open the Downloads page
6. Click REFRESH to check availability
7. When the archive is ready, click DOWNLOAD
8. Extract the ZIP file to access the contained PDF documents

An email notification is also sent when the ZIP file is ready.

Remember that the download link expires 24 hours after the original request.

6.5 Download Only Files Matching Specific Codes

1. Open the relevant application
2. Select the Files tab
3. Open the Code Filter dropdown
4. Select one or more codes
5. Verify that the displayed list contains the desired files
6. Click DOWNLOAD FILES
7. Retrieve the ZIP archive from the Downloads page when it becomes available

Only PDF files included in the filtered list will be added to the ZIP archive.

6.6 Access Previously Saved applications

1. Open My Documents.
2. Locate the relevant Portfolio.
3. Find the application.
4. Click VIEW to access application information or FILES to access its documents.

7. TROUBLESHOOTING

No Results Found

If your search returns no results, verify the search criteria.

Check that the Patent Numbers or Application Numbers were entered correctly.

Remember that Advanced Search criteria are combined using AND conditions. Applying too many criteria may exclude otherwise relevant applications.

Try removing some criteria and running the search again.

A PDF Does Not Open When Clicking VIEW

Your browser may be blocking pop-up windows.

Allow pop-up windows for the application website and try again.

A Requested ZIP File Is Not Yet Available

Large download requests require time to assemble.

Open the Downloads page and click REFRESH to check whether the archive is ready.

You will also receive an email notification when processing is complete.

A ZIP Download Link Has Expired

ZIP archives are available for 24 hours from the time of the request.

If the download link has expired, return to the relevant application and submit a new download request.

Some Files Are Missing From a ZIP Archive

Check whether a Code Filter was active when the download was requested.

Only PDF files included in the filtered list are added to the ZIP archive.

Clear the filter and submit a new download request if necessary.

Bundled Files Are Not Visible

Some PDFs include additional supporting files.

In the Files tab, click SHOW OTHER FILES to display bundled documents.

A Saved application Is Missing From My Documents

Verify that you are viewing the correct Portfolio.

If the application was not saved or was previously removed, return to Add Documents, search for the application, and add it to the desired Portfolio.

8. QUICK REFERENCE