Courtesy Ceremonial Copies of eGrants

On April 18, 2023, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) transitioned to electronic patent grants (“eGrants”) but continued to automatically provide courtesy ceremonial copies of newly issued patents to patentees. The eGrant is the official statutory patent grant; the ceremonial copy is a commemorative item only.

Beginning March 9, 2026, courtesy ceremonial copies will only be provided to those who specifically request them by checking the Ceremonial Copy box on the PTOL-85 Part B form when paying the issue fee. For a limited time, a ceremonial copy may also be requested by emailing the patent number to eGrants@uspto.gov. If the request is deemed proper, a courtesy ceremonial copy of the patent will be sent to the correspondence address of record.

Other copies, including presentation copies and certified copies, will continue to be available from the USPTO’S Certified Copy Center.