What happens if there’s a postal service interruption or emergency affecting patent filings?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. In the event of a postal interruption or emergency, the USPTO will take the following actions: Place an announcement on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov Publish a notice in the Official Gazette These communications will provide instructions about filing patent applications and other patent-related papers. As stated in MPEP 511 : “In the event of a postal interruption or emergency, an announcement will be placed on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov and a notice will be published in the Official Gazette, providing instructions about the filing of patent applications, and other papers related to patent applications and patents.” This ensures that applicants have clear guidance on how to proceed during such circumstances. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Postal Interruption Filing MPEP 511 Director Designates Events as Postal Service Interruptions MPEP 511 Filing Considered Filed During Postal Disruptions MPEP 511 Required Requirement for Filing During USPS Intermittencies MPEP 511 Required Filing Date Not Affected by Unavailability of USPS MPEP 511 New Patent Applications Must Be Filed Electronically MPEP 511 Recommended Filing of Design Continued Prosecution Applications by Facsimile MPEP 511 Permitted New Patent Applications May Be Hand-Delivered MPEP 511 Permitted Methods for Filing Patent Correspondence MPEP 511 Permitted Do Not Use Hold for Pickup Service for Priority Mail Express MPEP 511 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can the USPTO extend deadlines during a postal service emergency? How can I petition for my correspondence to be considered filed on a particular date due to a postal emergency? What are the lim...