📷 The outside counsel view showing the Dashboard with assigned patent tasks
Before You Begin
Your client's ArcPrime administrator has invited you and assigned the External Counsel or External Paralegal role. See User Roles and Permissions for role details.
You need an active ArcPrime account. Follow the link in your invitation email to create one, or see Creating Your Account and Signing In.
Step 1: Review Your Dashboard
The Dashboard shows tasks related to cases your client has assigned to you. Tasks may include office action responses, document reviews, and correspondence items. Click any task card to open the associated patent or disclosure.
Your Dashboard only shows cases that have been shared with your firm. You will not see your client's full portfolio.
Step 2: Access Assigned Patents
Hover over Patents in the navigation bar and select List. This shows only the patents your client has assigned to your firm. Open a patent to view its full detail page, which includes:
Case information including application number, filing date, and current status
The Documents tab with all correspondence and filings associated with the case
AI-generated analysis and recommendations, if your client has enabled sharing of these features
Use the search bar at the top of the Patent List to find a specific case by application number, patent number, or case name.
📷 The Patent Detail page showing case information, Documents tab, and correspondence history for an assigned patent
Step 3: View Assigned Disclosures
If your client shares disclosures with you, click Disclosures in the navigation bar to view them. Open a disclosure to see the invention summary, prior art search results, and any associated documents. Your access to disclosures depends on what your client's administrator has configured.
Step 4: Use the Search Bar
The search bar in the navigation bar is one of the fastest ways to find an assigned case. Click into the search field and enter an application number, patent number, or keyword. ArcPrime shows matching results in a dropdown as you type. Click a result to open the case directly.
Step 5: Manage Your Profile and Settings
Click your avatar in the upper-right corner and select Settings. As outside counsel, your settings are limited to your profile information. You can view your name, email, and assigned role on the Profile page.
For broader workspace settings like firm details and case assignments, your client's ArcPrime administrator manages those on their end.
What's Next
Your client's IP team manages case assignments and workflow. When new cases or tasks are assigned to you, they appear on your Dashboard automatically. Check the Dashboard regularly to stay current on pending items.
If you have questions about your access level or need additional cases assigned, contact your client's ArcPrime administrator directly. You can also reach ArcPrime support by clicking Contact Support in the user menu.
Tip: If you work with multiple clients on ArcPrime, you can switch between workspaces using the workspace switcher in the user menu. Click your avatar to see all available workspaces.
Tip: Use the search bar at the top of the page to find a specific assigned patent by application number or case name.
Related Articles
Creating Your Account and Signing In — Help with account creation and sign-in methods
User Roles and Permissions — Understand the External Counsel role and its permissions
Navigating the Interface — Tour of the navigation bar, search, and user menu