How are electronically filed patent applications date-stamped by the USPTO?
Electronically filed patent applications receive special treatment for date-stamping at the USPTO. According to MPEP 505, Correspondence submitted to the Office by way of the Office electronic filing system will be accorded a receipt date, which is the date the correspondence is received at the correspondence address for the Office set forth in § 1.1 when it was officially submitted.
Key points about electronic filing date-stamping:
- The receipt date is based on the time in Alexandria, VA (USPTO’s location)
- Electronic submissions can receive a date stamp on any day, including weekends and holidays
- The electronic filing system (EFS-Web) must be used in accordance with USPTO requirements
For more details on electronic filing, refer to MPEP § 502.05.
For more information on EFS-Web, visit: EFS-Web.
For more information on electronic filing, visit: electronic filing.
For more information on USPTO, visit: USPTO.
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 505 - Date of Receipt Stamp,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure