The USPTO has taken steps to expand browser choices for the electronic filing system (EFS) beyond Microsoft Internet Explorer notifying:
"As a reminder, EFS-Web and Private PAIR users should have the latest Java 8 version, which is needed
for the current authentication Java Applet.
On Oct. 24, a new interim authentication method using Java Web
Start will be available to provide access to EFS-Web and Private PAIR. You
must have Java 8 to use the new Java Web Start authentication method. The
interim authentication solution provides a new, plug-in-free option for
users to authenticate, and will expand browser options until a new
permanent solution is in place.
While you can continue to authenticate
using the existing method (Java Applet), you will be given an option to
utilize the new method.
This interim solution uses Java Web Start technology, allowing
users to authenticate into EFS-Web and Private PAIR utilizing their current
digital certificate. The new option will provide users more flexibility in
browser choice as it reduces the dependency on the Java Applet plug-in.
Digital Certificate Management (DCM) tools will also be supported on Java
Web Start in a subsequent release."
The USPTO notes if "you have questions, please contact the Patent EBC at (866)
217-9197 or send an email to EBC@uspto.gov. To provide feedback,
please email us at eMod@uspto.gov,
or you can visit our eCommerce Modernization web page."
Copyright © 2016 Robert Moll. All rights reserved.
