Where are patented and abandoned files that are not available in IFW stored?

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.

Patented and abandoned files that are not available in the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system are stored in various locations:

• Files Repository: The primary storage location for non-IFW files.
• Remote warehouses: Older files are housed in remote warehouses located in Maryland and Virginia.

The MPEP states: Patented and abandoned files that are not available in IFW are stored at the Files Repository. Older files are housed in remote warehouses located in Maryland and Virginia. This distributed storage system allows for efficient management of the vast number of patent and application files maintained by the USPTO.