What happens if a USPTO deadline falls on a weekend or holiday?

When a USPTO deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is automatically extended. According to MPEP 505, When the last day for taking any action or paying any fee in the Office falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday within the District of Columbia, the action or the fee is considered timely if the action is taken or the fee is paid on the next succeeding business day.

This rule applies to various USPTO actions, including:

• Filing responses to Office Actions
• Paying maintenance fees
• Submitting other time-sensitive documents

It’s important to note that while the deadline is extended, the USPTO is still closed on these days for regular correspondence receipt.

For more information on patent procedure, visit: patent procedure.

For more information on USPTO deadlines, visit: USPTO deadlines.