What happens if a Notice of Allowance is returned undelivered?
If a Notice of Allowance is returned undelivered, the USPTO takes the following steps:
- A new Notice of Allowance is sent to the correct address.
- The date of sending the notice is updated in the file to match the remailing date.
- The original document, a copy of the returned document (including any markings), and the remailed document are all retained in the application file.
As stated in MPEP 1303.02: “In case a Notice of Allowance is returned, and a new notice is sent (see MPEP § 707.13), the date of sending the notice must be changed in the file to agree with the date of such remailing.” This process ensures that the file history remains clear and accurate.
To learn more: