If you’ve recently received a US patent, you may have noticed a glossy ceremonial copy in your mailbox. But starting March 9, 2026, that keepsake will only arrive if you ask for it.
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is changing how it handles ceremonial copies of electronic patent grants (eGrants). Since moving to eGrants in 2023, the USPTO has automatically mailed courtesy ceremonial copies to all patentees. Because many inventors and companies don’t need the extra paper, the USPTO is switching to an opt-in system to save resources and reduce waste.
Here’s what’s changing: If you want a ceremonial copy of your eGrant, you’ll need to check the “ceremonial copy” box on the PTOL-85 Part B form when paying the official issue fee. If you don’t opt in, you won’t receive the ceremonial copy—though you can still access your official eGrant online anytime. For a short time after the change, an applicant can also request a ceremonial copy by emailing the USPTO—but only until June 9, 2026.
Why does this matter? The new process is expected to save the USPTO about $2.5 million a year, allowing it to focus on services that matter most to inventors and businesses. And for those who still want a ceremonial copy to frame or display, it’s just a box to check when paying the issue fee. Remember: The eGrant is your official patent. The ceremonial copy is just for show. If you need certified or presentation copies (which may be used in patent infringement litigation), those are still available through the USPTO’s Certified Copy Center. For more details, visit the USPTO eGrants webpage at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center/egrants.
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