Should additional electronic copies be delivered to USPTO examiners?

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.

No, additional electronic copies should not be delivered to USPTO examiners or other Office personnel. The MPEP 2433 explicitly states: “In no circumstances should additional or complimentary electronic copies be delivered to examiners or other Office personnel.” This instruction ensures that all submissions are processed through the proper channels and prevents confusion or potential conflicts in the examination process.