USPTO Announces New Opt-In Procedure for Ceremonial Patent Grant Copies

By Ashley Reed

On February 6, 2026, the USPTO announced a new opt-in procedure for receiving ceremonial paper copies of electronic patent grants.[1] 

In April 2023, the USPTO transitioned from exclusively issuing paper patent grants to providing electronic patent grants (eGrants) as the official statutory patent document.[2]  While the eGrant became the legally operative document, the USPTO continued to automatically mail a ceremonial paper copy to all patentees as a courtesy.  However, due to feedback from applicants that the ceremonial copies were duplicative and administratively burdensome, the USPTO has now shifted to an opt-in model.

Under the new opt-in model, which takes effect on March 9, 2026, applicants who wish to receive a ceremonial copy of an eGrant will be required to check the “Ceremonial Copy” box on Part B of the PTOL-85 form when paying an issue fee.[3]  For a limited time, the USPTO will provide ceremonial copies to applicants who do not comply with the new opt-in procedure if said applicants send an email request (including the relevant patent number) to eGrants@uspto.gov prior to June 9, 2026.[4]

As a reminder, the eGrant remains the official statutory patent grant and the ceremonial copy is a commemorative item only.[5]  The eGrant may be accessed through the USPTO’s Patent Center.

The USPTO predicts that this new policy will reduce printing and mailing costs by approximately $2.5M per year.[6]  Patent applicants and practioners should stay tuned for the potential of further procedural updates from the USPTO as the agency continues to prioritize efficient, cost-saving measures to expedite the patent prosecution process.

References

[1]  “Opt-in option for courtesy ceremonial copies of e-Grants”, USPTO – Patent Alert (Feb. 6, 2026), https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2026/opt-option-courtesy-ceremonial-copies-egrants.

[2]  “eGrants and eCofCs”, USPTO, https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center/egrants?MURL=electronicgrants&utm_campaign=subscriptioncenter&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=.

[3]  “Opt-in option for courtesy ceremonial copies of e-Grants”, USPTO – Patent Alert (Feb. 6, 2026), https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2026/opt-option-courtesy-ceremonial-copies-egrants.

[4]   Id.

[5]  Id.

[6]  Id.