The TIP Tool™ provides a seamless way to keep your portfolio updated by syncing public patent application data directly from the USPTO Public PAIR database. This ensures that prosecution statuses and key details remain current without requiring users to re-enter information manually.
When Does the TIP Tool™ Sync Public Applications?
Publicly available patent applications in your portfolio can be synced:
- Automatically (weekly) – All published applications are automatically synced once per week for paid accounts.
- Manually (on demand) – You can initiate a sync at any time using the Sync Public Cases button, provided the application hasn’t already been synced that day.
| Note: The USPTO does not update prosecution data more than once per day. Therefore, syncing more than once a day won’t yield new information. |
Step-by-Step: Manual Sync of Public Cases
Step 1: Navigate to the Portfolio Manager tab where your filed applications are listed.
Step 2: At the top right, locate and click the “Sync Public Cases” button.
- This command triggers the TIP Tool™ to fetch the most recent status information from the USPTO Public PAIR database.
- The system checks each listed application and updates prosecution metadata such as publication number, examiner details, and current status.
| Note: This button is active only for applications already published by the USPTO. |
Limitations & Edge Cases
- If the application is not yet published and still available only through Private PAIR, the Sync Public Cases function will not work.
- Such applications will appear under “Applications Not Synced”, until Private PAIR credentials are provided through a separate process.