EFS-Web utilizes standard web-based screens and prompts to enable you to submit a por- table document format (PDF) document directly to the USPTO within minutes. You choose the tool, process and workflow with which you author your documents; convert them to standard PDF files and then submit them to USPTO’s secure servers. EFS-Web is safe, simple and secure and gives you all of the same benefits as paper filings, including an electronic receipt that acknowledges your submission date.