Can ‘Easily Erasable’ paper be used for patent applications?
The use of ‘Easily Erasable’ paper for patent applications is discouraged. According to MPEP 714.07:
So-called ‘Easily Erasable’ paper having a special coating so that erasures can be made more easily may not provide a ‘permanent’ copy.
This type of paper may not meet the requirement for permanent records as specified in 37 CFR 1.52(a). However, the MPEP also notes that due to current digital record-keeping practices, paper type is less of an issue:
However, because application papers are now maintained in an Image File Wrapper, the type of paper is unlikely to be an issue so long as the Office is able to scan and reproduce the papers that were filed.
To learn more: