Resources

On this page you can find additional resources to help you understand what Preissuance Submissions are and how to file them.

How to File Third-Party Preissuance Submissions

Filing electronically

• Patent Center
• Patent Center User Guide [PDF]

Filing by paper

• Preissuance Submissions Form [PDF]
• Preissuance Submissions Instructions [PDF]

Third-Party Preissuance Submission Guidance

• Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 1134.01: Third Party Submissions Under 37 CFR 1.290

Third-Party Preissuance Submission Rules 

• Preissuance Submission Final Rules (77 Fed. Reg. 42150, July 17, 2012) [PDF]
• Preissuance Submission Proposed Rules (77 Fed. Reg. 448, January 5, 2012) [PDF]

Frequently Asked Questions

• Third-Party Preissuance Submissions

Presentations

• Public Engagement Partnership Meeting Slides: Learn how to search for prior art and file a third-party submission
• AIA Second Anniversary Presentation Slides [PDF]

Contact Us

For questions about filing Third-Party Preissuance Submissions electronically:

Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC): 571-272-4100

EBC Email: ebc@uspto.gov

For questions and clarifications about Third-Party Preissuance Submissions requirements:

Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA): (571) 272-7704 

OPLA Email: PatentPractice@uspto.gov (link sends e-mail)

USPTO responses are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing legal advice or legal opinions