Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Here’s the complete FAQ:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority (1)
The location for filing your petition to restore the right of priority depends on the type of application you have. The MPEP provides guidance:
The petition to restore the right of priority must be filed in the subsequent application, or in the earliest nonprovisional application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) to the subsequent application, if such subsequent application is not a nonprovisional application.
Additionally, the MPEP specifies the mailing address for such petitions:
The petition should be addressed to: Mail Stop Petition, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
Ensure you file the petition in the correct application and send it to the appropriate address to avoid processing delays.
For more information on mailing address, visit: mailing address.
For more information on priority restoration, visit: priority restoration.
MPEP 214-Formal Requirements of Claim for Foreign Priority (1)
The location for filing your petition to restore the right of priority depends on the type of application you have. The MPEP provides guidance:
The petition to restore the right of priority must be filed in the subsequent application, or in the earliest nonprovisional application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) to the subsequent application, if such subsequent application is not a nonprovisional application.
Additionally, the MPEP specifies the mailing address for such petitions:
The petition should be addressed to: Mail Stop Petition, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
Ensure you file the petition in the correct application and send it to the appropriate address to avoid processing delays.
For more information on mailing address, visit: mailing address.
For more information on priority restoration, visit: priority restoration.
MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner (2)
The MPEP provides specific guidance on the type of address that should be provided for the nonsigning inventor in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 applications:
‘That address should be the last known address at which the inventor customarily receives mail.’
This typically means providing the most recent address where the inventor is known to receive correspondence. It’s important to provide an address where the USPTO’s communications are most likely to reach the nonsigning inventor.
To learn more:
To learn more:
While the last known residence is often the appropriate address to provide, it’s not always the case. The MPEP states:
‘Ordinarily, the last known address will be the last known residence of the nonsigning inventor.’
However, the key is to provide the address where the inventor customarily receives mail. If this differs from their residence, the mailing address should be provided instead. The goal is to increase the likelihood that the nonsigning inventor will receive any USPTO communications.
To learn more:
To learn more:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers (6)
The mailing address for trademark-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for certain specific documents as outlined in the regulations.
According to 37 CFR 2.190: In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.
It’s important to note that many trademark documents can and should be filed electronically through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
To learn more:
The mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers filed on paper is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for:
- Documents sent to the Assignment Recordation Branch for recordation
- Requests for copies of trademark documents
- Certain documents filed under the Madrid Protocol as specified in 37 CFR 2.190(e)
According to 37 CFR 2.190(a): “In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.”
The general mailing address for patent-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, and other patent-related matters processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in the MPEP: Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for correspondence including patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, briefs, requests for oral hearings, applications for patent term extensions, reexamination requests, statutory disclaimers, certificates of correction, petitions, and other patent-related correspondence processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in MPEP 501: “Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450”
Patent maintenance fee payments can be submitted in two ways:
- Electronically: This is the preferred method. Payments can be made through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
- By mail: If not submitted electronically, maintenance fee payments and related correspondence should be addressed to:
Mail Stop Maintenance Fee
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
The MPEP states: Maintenance fee payments not electronically submitted over the Internet and correspondence related to maintenance fees may be addressed to: Mail Stop Maintenance Fee, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
It’s important to note that electronic submission is faster, more secure, and provides immediate confirmation of payment.
To learn more:
For correspondence that is not specific to patents or trademarks, such as requests for certified copies or assignment recordation, the general mailing address is:
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
This address should be used for:
- Patent and trademark documents sent to the Assignment Division for recordation (Mail Stop Assignment Recordation Services)
- Requests for certified or uncertified copies of patent and trademark documents (Mail Stop Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch)
- Correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190
MPEP 501 states: “For correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190, should be addressed to: Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450”
MPEP 501 - Filing Papers With the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (6)
The mailing address for trademark-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for certain specific documents as outlined in the regulations.
According to 37 CFR 2.190: In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.
It’s important to note that many trademark documents can and should be filed electronically through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
To learn more:
The mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers filed on paper is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for:
- Documents sent to the Assignment Recordation Branch for recordation
- Requests for copies of trademark documents
- Certain documents filed under the Madrid Protocol as specified in 37 CFR 2.190(e)
According to 37 CFR 2.190(a): “In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.”
The general mailing address for patent-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, and other patent-related matters processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in the MPEP: Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for correspondence including patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, briefs, requests for oral hearings, applications for patent term extensions, reexamination requests, statutory disclaimers, certificates of correction, petitions, and other patent-related correspondence processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in MPEP 501: “Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450”
Patent maintenance fee payments can be submitted in two ways:
- Electronically: This is the preferred method. Payments can be made through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
- By mail: If not submitted electronically, maintenance fee payments and related correspondence should be addressed to:
Mail Stop Maintenance Fee
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
The MPEP states: Maintenance fee payments not electronically submitted over the Internet and correspondence related to maintenance fees may be addressed to: Mail Stop Maintenance Fee, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
It’s important to note that electronic submission is faster, more secure, and provides immediate confirmation of payment.
To learn more:
For correspondence that is not specific to patents or trademarks, such as requests for certified copies or assignment recordation, the general mailing address is:
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
This address should be used for:
- Patent and trademark documents sent to the Assignment Division for recordation (Mail Stop Assignment Recordation Services)
- Requests for certified or uncertified copies of patent and trademark documents (Mail Stop Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch)
- Correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190
MPEP 501 states: “For correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190, should be addressed to: Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450”
Patent Law (8)
The location for filing your petition to restore the right of priority depends on the type of application you have. The MPEP provides guidance:
The petition to restore the right of priority must be filed in the subsequent application, or in the earliest nonprovisional application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) to the subsequent application, if such subsequent application is not a nonprovisional application.
Additionally, the MPEP specifies the mailing address for such petitions:
The petition should be addressed to: Mail Stop Petition, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
Ensure you file the petition in the correct application and send it to the appropriate address to avoid processing delays.
For more information on mailing address, visit: mailing address.
For more information on priority restoration, visit: priority restoration.
The MPEP provides specific guidance on the type of address that should be provided for the nonsigning inventor in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 applications:
‘That address should be the last known address at which the inventor customarily receives mail.’
This typically means providing the most recent address where the inventor is known to receive correspondence. It’s important to provide an address where the USPTO’s communications are most likely to reach the nonsigning inventor.
To learn more:
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, and other patent-related matters processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in the MPEP: Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for correspondence including patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, briefs, requests for oral hearings, applications for patent term extensions, reexamination requests, statutory disclaimers, certificates of correction, petitions, and other patent-related correspondence processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in MPEP 501: “Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450”
While the last known residence is often the appropriate address to provide, it’s not always the case. The MPEP states:
‘Ordinarily, the last known address will be the last known residence of the nonsigning inventor.’
However, the key is to provide the address where the inventor customarily receives mail. If this differs from their residence, the mailing address should be provided instead. The goal is to increase the likelihood that the nonsigning inventor will receive any USPTO communications.
To learn more:
To learn more:
When providing the mailing address for correspondence in a patent application:
- Include a complete mailing address
- Use the address where the inventor customarily receives mail
- For foreign inventors, provide an address in the U.S. for correspondence
The MPEP 602.08(b) states: ‘The mailing address of each inventor must be provided in order to comply with the separate notification requirement of 35 U.S.C. 11(a).’ This ensures that the USPTO can effectively communicate with all inventors throughout the patent process.
To learn more:
Patent maintenance fee payments can be submitted in two ways:
- Electronically: This is the preferred method. Payments can be made through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
- By mail: If not submitted electronically, maintenance fee payments and related correspondence should be addressed to:
Mail Stop Maintenance Fee
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
The MPEP states: Maintenance fee payments not electronically submitted over the Internet and correspondence related to maintenance fees may be addressed to: Mail Stop Maintenance Fee, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
It’s important to note that electronic submission is faster, more secure, and provides immediate confirmation of payment.
To learn more:
For correspondence that is not specific to patents or trademarks, such as requests for certified copies or assignment recordation, the general mailing address is:
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
This address should be used for:
- Patent and trademark documents sent to the Assignment Division for recordation (Mail Stop Assignment Recordation Services)
- Requests for certified or uncertified copies of patent and trademark documents (Mail Stop Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch)
- Correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190
MPEP 501 states: “For correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190, should be addressed to: Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450”
Patent Procedure (7)
The location for filing your petition to restore the right of priority depends on the type of application you have. The MPEP provides guidance:
The petition to restore the right of priority must be filed in the subsequent application, or in the earliest nonprovisional application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) to the subsequent application, if such subsequent application is not a nonprovisional application.
Additionally, the MPEP specifies the mailing address for such petitions:
The petition should be addressed to: Mail Stop Petition, Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
Ensure you file the petition in the correct application and send it to the appropriate address to avoid processing delays.
For more information on mailing address, visit: mailing address.
For more information on priority restoration, visit: priority restoration.
The MPEP provides specific guidance on the type of address that should be provided for the nonsigning inventor in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47 applications:
‘That address should be the last known address at which the inventor customarily receives mail.’
This typically means providing the most recent address where the inventor is known to receive correspondence. It’s important to provide an address where the USPTO’s communications are most likely to reach the nonsigning inventor.
To learn more:
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, and other patent-related matters processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in the MPEP: Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
To learn more:
The general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers is:
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
This address should be used for correspondence including patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, briefs, requests for oral hearings, applications for patent term extensions, reexamination requests, statutory disclaimers, certificates of correction, petitions, and other patent-related correspondence processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
As stated in MPEP 501: “Correspondence in patent-related matters under the direction of the Commissioner for Patents should be addressed to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450”
While the last known residence is often the appropriate address to provide, it’s not always the case. The MPEP states:
‘Ordinarily, the last known address will be the last known residence of the nonsigning inventor.’
However, the key is to provide the address where the inventor customarily receives mail. If this differs from their residence, the mailing address should be provided instead. The goal is to increase the likelihood that the nonsigning inventor will receive any USPTO communications.
To learn more:
To learn more:
When providing the mailing address for correspondence in a patent application:
- Include a complete mailing address
- Use the address where the inventor customarily receives mail
- For foreign inventors, provide an address in the U.S. for correspondence
The MPEP 602.08(b) states: ‘The mailing address of each inventor must be provided in order to comply with the separate notification requirement of 35 U.S.C. 11(a).’ This ensures that the USPTO can effectively communicate with all inventors throughout the patent process.
To learn more:
Patent maintenance fee payments can be submitted in two ways:
- Electronically: This is the preferred method. Payments can be made through the USPTO’s Patent Maintenance Fees Storefront.
- By mail: If not submitted electronically, maintenance fee payments and related correspondence should be addressed to:
Mail Stop Maintenance Fee
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
The MPEP states: Maintenance fee payments not electronically submitted over the Internet and correspondence related to maintenance fees may be addressed to: Mail Stop Maintenance Fee, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
It’s important to note that electronic submission is faster, more secure, and provides immediate confirmation of payment.
To learn more:
Trademark Law (3)
The mailing address for trademark-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for certain specific documents as outlined in the regulations.
According to 37 CFR 2.190: In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.
It’s important to note that many trademark documents can and should be filed electronically through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
To learn more:
The mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers filed on paper is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for:
- Documents sent to the Assignment Recordation Branch for recordation
- Requests for copies of trademark documents
- Certain documents filed under the Madrid Protocol as specified in 37 CFR 2.190(e)
According to 37 CFR 2.190(a): “In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.”
For correspondence that is not specific to patents or trademarks, such as requests for certified copies or assignment recordation, the general mailing address is:
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
This address should be used for:
- Patent and trademark documents sent to the Assignment Division for recordation (Mail Stop Assignment Recordation Services)
- Requests for certified or uncertified copies of patent and trademark documents (Mail Stop Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch)
- Correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190
MPEP 501 states: “For correspondence for which an address is not otherwise specified in 37 CFR 1.1 or 2.190, should be addressed to: Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450”
Trademark Procedure (2)
The mailing address for trademark-related correspondence is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for certain specific documents as outlined in the regulations.
According to 37 CFR 2.190: In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.
It’s important to note that many trademark documents can and should be filed electronically through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
To learn more:
The mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers filed on paper is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, VA 22313-1451
This address should be used for all trademark-related documents filed on paper, except for:
- Documents sent to the Assignment Recordation Branch for recordation
- Requests for copies of trademark documents
- Certain documents filed under the Madrid Protocol as specified in 37 CFR 2.190(e)
According to 37 CFR 2.190(a): “In general, trademark documents to be delivered by the USPS must be addressed to: Commissioner for Trademarks, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451.”