In the TIP Tool™’s Portfolio Manager, every application is automatically placed into a category based on its status, jurisdiction, and sync state. These categories help users quickly filter, organize, and manage different types of applications across their global patent portfolio.
This article explains what each category means, when applications appear under them, and what action (if any) is needed.
From the Portfolio Manager, scroll down to the main application listing section. Along the top, you’ll see tabs such as:
- US Applications
- Foreign Applications
- Drafting Applications
- Applications Not Synced
Each tab reflects a filtered view based on the current state of those filings.
1. US Applications
These are applications filed in the United States, either published or unpublished.
An application will appear in this tab when:
- It was added manually or via bulk import with a valid U.S. patent application number
- It got added during syncing with the USPTO (via Public or Private PAIR)
| 🛈 If an application is unpublished, you’ll need to use Private PAIR credentials to enable syncing. See: How to Import Your Patent Applications from Private PAIR into the TIP ToolTM? |
2. Foreign Applications
These are filings made outside the United States, such as in Europe, India, Japan, or other jurisdictions.
An application will appear under this tab when:
- It has been imported with a foreign application number
- It is automatically linked to a U.S. case as part of a family tree
| 🛈 Full syncing of foreign prosecution data may be limited depending on the country and data source. |
3. Drafting Applications
These are applications that are in the pre-filing phase typically being drafted internally or by outside counsel.
Applications appear here when:
- In development by in-house IP teams: They were transitioned from the Idea Manager to the Filing Bucket, but haven’t been filed at the USPTO yet
- Being drafted by outside counsel (law firms) outside the TIP Tool™: The TIP Tool™ is tracking the application internally as a placeholder while the draft is being developed outside the system.
| 🛈 This tab helps you collaborate with prosecutors and internal teams before the application is filed. |
4. Applications Not Synced
This category contains applications that were added to the tool but could not be matched or synced with USPTO records.
Applications land here if:
- The application number was entered incorrectly or in the wrong format
- The application is unpublished, and Private PAIR credentials were not provided
- There was a temporary connection issue with the USPTO or the application isn’t yet in their system
To resolve issues:
- Double-check the format and validity of the application number
- Provide Private PAIR credentials if the filing is unpublished
- Use the Sync button once the application has been published
| 🛈 Once resolved, these applications will automatically move to the correct tab (e.g., “US Applications”). |
These portfolio views are designed to give you complete visibility into your pipeline across jurisdictions, stages, and sync states.