A Patent Electronic System Subscriber Agreement, also known as PESSA, is an agreement that must be signed by individuals or organizations before they can access and use the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) electronic filing system for patent applications.
The PESSA outlines the terms and conditions that govern the use of the electronic filing system, and it also serves as a legal agreement between the user and the USPTO. By signing the PESSA, the user agrees to comply with all of the rules and regulations set forth by the USPTO, and they also acknowledge that they have read and understood all of the terms and conditions in the agreement.
Some of the key provisions in the PESSA include:
1. Responsible use: Users are responsible for the security of their own account, and they must not share their login credentials with anyone else. Users are also required to use the system only for its intended purposes, and they must not engage in any fraudulent or illegal activity.
2. Payment: Users are required to pay all applicable fees associated with the electronic filing system. These fees may include filing fees, maintenance fees, and other charges.
3. Access: The USPTO reserves the right to deny or revoke access to the electronic filing system at any time, for any reason. The USPTO may also modify or suspend the system at any time, without notice or liability.
4. Intellectual property rights: Users must not use the electronic filing system to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. Users are also required to grant the USPTO certain rights to use, modify, and distribute their patent applications.
5. Confidentiality: Users must keep their patent applications confidential until they are published or granted. Users are also required to keep their login credentials and any other sensitive information related to the electronic filing system confidential.
To summarize, the PESSA is an important agreement that governs the use of the USPTO’s electronic filing system for patent applications. By signing the agreement, users agree to comply with all of the rules and regulations established by the USPTO, and they also acknowledge the importance of confidentiality, responsible use, and intellectual property rights. If you have any questions about the PESSA or the electronic filing system, it is best to consult with an experienced patent attorney or agent.