How can I check the status of my patent application?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

You can check the status of your patent application through several methods:

• Patent Center: This platform provides information on issued patents, published patent applications, and applications claiming domestic benefit.
• Private PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval): For unpublished applications, applicants or their registered representatives can securely track progress. Note that a Customer Number must be associated with the application for access.
• Application Assistance Unit (AAU): For general inquiries, you can contact the AAU directly.

As stated in the MPEP: Status information relating to patent applications is available through Patent Center and the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. (MPEP 203.08)

For most up-to-date information, the MPEP recommends: Applicants and other persons seeking status information regarding an application should check Patent Center on the Office website at www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center.