Can I hand-carry documents to the USPTO?

Yes, you can hand-carry certain documents to the USPTO, but there are specific guidelines and limitations. According to MPEP 501:

Patent-related papers may be hand-carried to the Office in Alexandria, VA. Correspondence cannot be hand-carried to the Regional Offices. If the correspondence is hand-carried to the Office, with limited exceptions (see MPEP § 502, subsection III) it must be delivered to:

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Customer Service Window
Randolph Building
401 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

For trademark-related papers, there is a separate location:

Trademark-related papers may be filed at the “walk-up” window located in the Trademark Assistance Center, Madison East, Concourse Level, Room C55, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

It’s important to note that while hand-carrying documents is possible, electronic filing is often faster and more efficient for most types of correspondence with the USPTO.

For more information on patent office procedures, visit: patent office procedures.

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