What alternative filing methods are available if the USPTO electronic filing system is unavailable?
If the USPTO patent electronic filing system becomes unavailable due to a system outage, applicants have alternative filing methods to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.495(b). These include:
- Hand-delivery to the USPTO
- Using the Priority Mail Express® service of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10
As stated in MPEP 1893.02: “Should online filing and/or fee payment via the USPTO patent electronic filing system become unavailable due to a system outage, applicant may need to use an alternative filing method such as hand-delivery to the USPTO or the Priority Mail Express® service of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.495(b).”
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