USPTO will replace paper patent certificates with electronic patent certificates

Starting April 18, 2023, the USPTO will begin to issue electronic patent certificates (eGrants) to patent holders. This is a new process for delivering authorized patent certificates in electronic format. During a limited transition period, the USPTO will still use paper certificates for a period of time. It is said that the issuance of electronic certificates will save the USPTO nearly $2 million in printing and mailing costs each year. The patentee will also receive an electronic certificate in PDF format on the day of authorization. eGrants can be downloaded and printed unlimited times at any time in the Patent Center.

During the transition period, patentees can obtain electronic authorization certificates by visiting the Patent Center, and can also obtain bound paper versions. After the transition period, the patentee can still apply for a paper version from the USPTO’s Certified Copy Center, but will need to pay an additional fee.