What is the purpose of a certificate of mailing or transmission in patent applications?

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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. The purpose of a certificate of mailing or transmission in patent applications is to provide evidence of timely filing when correspondence is not received by the USPTO or is received late. As stated in MPEP 512 : The Certificate of Mailing or Transmission procedure does not apply to papers mailed in a foreign country. This procedure allows applicants to prove that they submitted their correspondence on time, even if it’s delayed or lost in transit. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Certificate of Mailing Does Not Apply to Foreign Mailings MPEP 512 Certificate of Mailing or Transmission Date Required MPEP 512 Recommended Misuse of Certificate of Mailing or Improper Benefit Claim MPEP 512 Recommended No Benefit from Certificate of Mailing for Filing Date MPEP 512 Certificate of Transmission for Foreign Papers MPEP 512 Prohibited Requirement for Certificate of Mailing and Transmission MPEP 512 Certificate of Mailing Not Via USPS Invalidates Benefits MPEP 512 Requirement for Certificate of Transmission MPEP 512 Recommended Certificate of Mailing Not Deposited with USPS MPEP 512 Signature Required for Certificate of Transmission MPEP 512 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can I use a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission for correspondence from outside the United States? How do I use a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission? How do I properly use a certificate of mailing for patent correspondence? How does the USPTO handle papers with a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission? What information must be included in a certificate of mailing for USPTO correspondence?