We accept image files in PDF or JPG format. Drawing files (mark images) must be submitted in JPG format, see requirements for drawing files for more information. You may submit all other image files (specimens, evidence, etc.) in either format.
JPG requirements:
- JPG files must be 5MB or smaller.
- The filename can be up to 256 characters long, including the “.jpg” extension.
You are encouraged to use the shortest filename possible. Remember to save images created on a Macintosh using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator with the .jpg extensions.
PDF requirements:
Size
- All files must be 30MB or smaller
- All files must be saved at 300 DPI
- Page size within the files must be set to 14 x 14 inches or smaller
If any page within the entire PDF file exceeds this size limitation, the entire PDF file will be blocked from upload.
Format
- Use a valid PDF format. It is NOT sufficient that the file simply be named using a PDF extension (.pdf), because that does not by itself create a valid PDF file.
- Use one of the formats below for images within the PDF file.
GIF, BMP, TIFF, JPG or PNG - Use one of the fonts below.
Courier (Regular, Bold, Italic, or Bold Italic), Times (Roman, Bold, Italic, or Bold Italic), Helvetica (Regular, Bold, Italic, or Bold Italic), Symbol, Zapf Dingbats.
NOTE: Fonts not listed above must be embedded within the PDF document. - Fonts should be set to “subset.”
Filename
- Can use upper or lower case letters or numbers, periods (.), underscores(_), or hyphens (-)
- No spaces
Spaces are permitted in the file path, (the file’s location on your computer), but never in the name of the file itself. - Must end in .pdf
- Can be up to 256 characters long including the .pdf portion. Please use the shortest name possible.
Do not include
- Security settings
For example, self-sign security, user passwords, and/or permissions, or any other security settings that would prevent us from opening, viewing, or printing the file.
All security settings must be deactivated (e.g., encryption, master passwords, and/or permissions). - Embedded scripts and/or executables
For example, interactive actions or form data importation scripts - Worms, viruses or other malicious content
Files with malicious content will be deleted. - Active hypertext links, or any internal/external links
While you may textually reference a URL as a disabled link, it cannot be presented as an actual hyperlink. - Embedded Objects
- Multimedia
For example, sound, video, animations, slide shows - 3-dimensional models
- Multi-page objects
For example, Excel spreadsheets
While the overall PDF file would upload, the other internal object will be “stripped” out of the file, and will not be viewable.
- Multimedia
Other requirements
- All files must contain only a single layer.
Documents with multiple layers must be flattened prior to submission, to convert all overlapping areas in a stack of transparent objects into a collection of opaque objects.
Any invisible layers will be lost when processed by the USPTO. - Use Adobe version 1.3 or newer.
NOTE: If you have Adobe Acrobat Professional 6.0, for instructions on resizing PDF pages or reducing the DPI, click here; otherwise, please forward the PDF file to TEAS@uspto.gov, for resizing/reduction within ONE (1) business day. Sending a file to the TEAS mailbox is NOT considered an actual “filing” for any deadline purposes.