MPEP § 1809 — Access to the USPTO patent electronic filing system (Annotated Rules)

§1809 Access to the USPTO patent electronic filing system

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1809, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Access to the USPTO patent electronic filing system

This section addresses Access to the USPTO patent electronic filing system. Contains: 2 requirements, 3 permissions, and 5 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Request Content and Form

4 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-1809-ca526af9d49bd7a5d9c1be08]
Request Required to Associate Customer Number with International Application
Note:
A request must be made to associate a previously filed international application with a customer number, requiring the submission of specific details.

To associate a previously filed international application to a customer number, a request must be made. Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record. Form PTO-2248 may be obtained from the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/ international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty/ pct-chapter-i-forms). The form can be mailed or transmitted by facsimile to Mail Stop EBC, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. The fax number is 571-273-0177.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormPOA via Customer NumberCustomer Number Practice
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-1809-be15f3f3c524f2c7a5adb048]
Request to Associate International Application with Customer Number Requires Form PTO-2248
Note:
To associate a previously filed international application with a customer number, the applicant must submit Form PTO-2248 along with the required information.

To associate a previously filed international application to a customer number, a request must be made. Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record. Form PTO-2248 may be obtained from the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/ international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty/ pct-chapter-i-forms). The form can be mailed or transmitted by facsimile to Mail Stop EBC, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. The fax number is 571-273-0177.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormPOA Form RequirementsPCT Request Form
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-1809-caa11b95987d6bc43ff7df2d]
Form Can Be Mailed Or Faxed
Note:
The form for associating an international application with a customer number can be submitted by mail or fax to the Patent Office.

To associate a previously filed international application to a customer number, a request must be made. Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record. Form PTO-2248 may be obtained from the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/ international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty/ pct-chapter-i-forms). The form can be mailed or transmitted by facsimile to Mail Stop EBC, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. The fax number is 571-273-0177.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormPOA Form RequirementsPCT Request Form
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-d54fa367fd9386ef8598535f]
Fax Number for PCT Request
Note:
Provides the fax number (571-273-0177) for submitting a request to associate an international application with a customer number.

To associate a previously filed international application to a customer number, a request must be made. Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record. Form PTO-2248 may be obtained from the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/ international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty/ pct-chapter-i-forms). The form can be mailed or transmitted by facsimile to Mail Stop EBC, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. The fax number is 571-273-0177.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormSignature RequirementsPOA via Customer Number
Topic

Third Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)

2 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-cc59ff88c2689efc83f706c9]
Public and Private Views of Patent Application Status Available Through USPTO System
Note:
The USPTO patent electronic filing system provides both public and private views of patent application status, with the private view accessible only to registered users.

Status information relating to patent applications is available through the USPTO patent electronic filing system, which has a public view and a private view. The public view provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications. Private view allows registered Patent Center users to access information for applications associated with the user that has not been made public, in addition to what is also available through the public view. To have access to the private view, the applicant must be a registered user in Patent Center. Further information can be found at www.uspto.gov/NewPatentFilers.

Jump to MPEP SourceThird Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)Access to Published Applications (37 CFR 1.14(a))Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-e01b4a33ab2b88efab725f00]
Private View for Patent Center Users
Note:
Registered users in Patent Center can access non-public application information beyond what is available through the public view.

Status information relating to patent applications is available through the USPTO patent electronic filing system, which has a public view and a private view. The public view provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications. Private view allows registered Patent Center users to access information for applications associated with the user that has not been made public, in addition to what is also available through the public view. To have access to the private view, the applicant must be a registered user in Patent Center. Further information can be found at www.uspto.gov/NewPatentFilers.

Jump to MPEP SourceThird Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Practitioner Recognition and Conduct
Topic

Access to Published Applications (37 CFR 1.14(a))

2 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-a726b2436b45e8573c0b0bfa]
Access to Issued Patents and Published Applications
Note:
The public view of the USPTO patent electronic filing system provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications.

Status information relating to patent applications is available through the USPTO patent electronic filing system, which has a public view and a private view. The public view provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications. Private view allows registered Patent Center users to access information for applications associated with the user that has not been made public, in addition to what is also available through the public view. To have access to the private view, the applicant must be a registered user in Patent Center. Further information can be found at www.uspto.gov/NewPatentFilers.

Jump to MPEP SourceAccess to Published Applications (37 CFR 1.14(a))Third Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-1809-a7e893feb381c5fd94dea3e3]
Access to Private Patent Application Information
Note:
Patent Center users must be registered to access private view information for their applications, which includes non-public application details.

Status information relating to patent applications is available through the USPTO patent electronic filing system, which has a public view and a private view. The public view provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications. Private view allows registered Patent Center users to access information for applications associated with the user that has not been made public, in addition to what is also available through the public view. To have access to the private view, the applicant must be a registered user in Patent Center. Further information can be found at www.uspto.gov/NewPatentFilers.

Jump to MPEP SourceAccess to Published Applications (37 CFR 1.14(a))Third Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)
Topic

Signature Requirements

2 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-1809-012424c77cdb6ff6629b6918]
Signature Required for PCT Request
Note:
Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record to associate a previously filed international application.

To associate a previously filed international application to a customer number, a request must be made. Applicant must provide the customer number, international application number, registration number and signature of applicant or attorney of record. Form PTO-2248 may be obtained from the USPTO website (www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/ international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty/ pct-chapter-i-forms). The form can be mailed or transmitted by facsimile to Mail Stop EBC, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. The fax number is 571-273-0177.

Jump to MPEP SourceSignature RequirementsPOA via Customer NumberPOA Form Requirements
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-279040f177f12cc0c3d62e27]
Viewing Status Does Not Allow Changing Correspondence Address or Appointing Agent
Note:
The ability to view the international application status on the USPTO system does not permit changing the correspondence address or appointing an agent with a customer number. Such changes must be made through PCT Rule 92bis.

The ability to view the status of the international application on the USPTO patent electronic filing system does not allow an applicant to change the correspondence address or appoint or change an agent with the customer number. See MPEP § 1807. Such a change must be made under PCT Rule 92bis through the submission of a written request to the U.S. receiving Office or the International Bureau.

Jump to MPEP SourceSignature RequirementsCorrespondence Address RequirementsCustomer Number Practice
Topic

Access to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-1809-756dae7e4e246dc872df202e]
Registered User Required for Private View
Note:
To access the private view of patent application information, users must be registered in Patent Center.

Status information relating to patent applications is available through the USPTO patent electronic filing system, which has a public view and a private view. The public view provides access to all issued patents and published patent applications. Private view allows registered Patent Center users to access information for applications associated with the user that has not been made public, in addition to what is also available through the public view. To have access to the private view, the applicant must be a registered user in Patent Center. Further information can be found at www.uspto.gov/NewPatentFilers.

Jump to MPEP SourceAccess to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Practitioner Recognition and ConductAccess to Published Applications (37 CFR 1.14(a))
Topic

Customer Number Practice

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-1809-ff692c2c251e8c5d90166251]
Enter Existing Customer Number for International Application
Note:
When filing a new international application via the USPTO patent electronic system, enter the existing customer number to associate it with the application.

To associate a new international application that is being filed via the USPTO patent electronic filing system with an existing customer number, enter the customer number in the appropriate field when filling in the application data. The customer number will allow access to the application in the USPTO patent electronic filing system but may not be used to establish or change the correspondence address.

Jump to MPEP SourceCustomer Number PracticeCorrespondence AddressCorrespondence Address Requirements
Topic

Correspondence Address Requirements

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1809-469dc8a9a95a90d455aa07db]
Customer Number Requirement for USPTO Filing
Note:
The customer number is required for accessing the USPTO patent electronic filing system but cannot be used to change the correspondence address.

To associate a new international application that is being filed via the USPTO patent electronic filing system with an existing customer number, enter the customer number in the appropriate field when filling in the application data. The customer number will allow access to the application in the USPTO patent electronic filing system but may not be used to establish or change the correspondence address.

Jump to MPEP SourceCorrespondence Address RequirementsCustomer Number PracticeCorrespondence with the Office
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-1809-281c94e25699e95d14095a01]
Change of Correspondence Address Must Be Made Through PCT Rule 92bis
Note:
A change to the correspondence address must be made through a written request submitted to either the U.S. receiving Office or the International Bureau, as per PCT Rule 92bis.

The ability to view the status of the international application on the USPTO patent electronic filing system does not allow an applicant to change the correspondence address or appoint or change an agent with the customer number. See MPEP § 1807. Such a change must be made under PCT Rule 92bis through the submission of a written request to the U.S. receiving Office or the International Bureau.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeReceiving Office (RO/US)Request Content and Form

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Signature Requirements
MPEP § 1807
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Signature Requirements
PCT Rule 92bis

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31