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 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers (2)
A return postcard serves as prima facie evidence of receipt by the USPTO of all items listed on the postcard. It should include detailed identifying information such as:
- Inventor’s name
- Application number (if known)
- Confirmation number (if known)
- Filing date
- Title of the invention
- Type of paper being filed
- Number of pages for each component
The MPEP states: ‘A postcard receipt which itemizes and properly identifies the items which are being filed serves as prima facie evidence of receipt in the USPTO of all the items listed thereon on the date stamped thereon by the USPTO.’ (MPEP 503)
There are two main ways to obtain a receipt for items filed with the USPTO:
- For paper filings: Include a self-addressed postcard with your submission, itemizing all components being filed. The USPTO will stamp the receipt date on the postcard and return it.
- For electronic filings via EFS-Web or Patent Center: An Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt is automatically generated and sent to the filer.
The MPEP states: ‘If a submitter desires a receipt for any item (e.g., paper or fee) filed in the USPTO by means other than the USPTO patent electronic filing system, it may be obtained by enclosing with the paper a self-addressed postcard specifically identifying the item.’ (MPEP 503)
MPEP 503 - Application Number and Filing Receipt (2)
A return postcard serves as prima facie evidence of receipt by the USPTO of all items listed on the postcard. It should include detailed identifying information such as:
- Inventor’s name
- Application number (if known)
- Confirmation number (if known)
- Filing date
- Title of the invention
- Type of paper being filed
- Number of pages for each component
The MPEP states: ‘A postcard receipt which itemizes and properly identifies the items which are being filed serves as prima facie evidence of receipt in the USPTO of all the items listed thereon on the date stamped thereon by the USPTO.’ (MPEP 503)
There are two main ways to obtain a receipt for items filed with the USPTO:
- For paper filings: Include a self-addressed postcard with your submission, itemizing all components being filed. The USPTO will stamp the receipt date on the postcard and return it.
- For electronic filings via EFS-Web or Patent Center: An Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt is automatically generated and sent to the filer.
The MPEP states: ‘If a submitter desires a receipt for any item (e.g., paper or fee) filed in the USPTO by means other than the USPTO patent electronic filing system, it may be obtained by enclosing with the paper a self-addressed postcard specifically identifying the item.’ (MPEP 503)
Patent Law (2)
A return postcard serves as prima facie evidence of receipt by the USPTO of all items listed on the postcard. It should include detailed identifying information such as:
- Inventor’s name
- Application number (if known)
- Confirmation number (if known)
- Filing date
- Title of the invention
- Type of paper being filed
- Number of pages for each component
The MPEP states: ‘A postcard receipt which itemizes and properly identifies the items which are being filed serves as prima facie evidence of receipt in the USPTO of all the items listed thereon on the date stamped thereon by the USPTO.’ (MPEP 503)
There are two main ways to obtain a receipt for items filed with the USPTO:
- For paper filings: Include a self-addressed postcard with your submission, itemizing all components being filed. The USPTO will stamp the receipt date on the postcard and return it.
- For electronic filings via EFS-Web or Patent Center: An Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt is automatically generated and sent to the filer.
The MPEP states: ‘If a submitter desires a receipt for any item (e.g., paper or fee) filed in the USPTO by means other than the USPTO patent electronic filing system, it may be obtained by enclosing with the paper a self-addressed postcard specifically identifying the item.’ (MPEP 503)
Patent Procedure (2)
A return postcard serves as prima facie evidence of receipt by the USPTO of all items listed on the postcard. It should include detailed identifying information such as:
- Inventor’s name
- Application number (if known)
- Confirmation number (if known)
- Filing date
- Title of the invention
- Type of paper being filed
- Number of pages for each component
The MPEP states: ‘A postcard receipt which itemizes and properly identifies the items which are being filed serves as prima facie evidence of receipt in the USPTO of all the items listed thereon on the date stamped thereon by the USPTO.’ (MPEP 503)
There are two main ways to obtain a receipt for items filed with the USPTO:
- For paper filings: Include a self-addressed postcard with your submission, itemizing all components being filed. The USPTO will stamp the receipt date on the postcard and return it.
- For electronic filings via EFS-Web or Patent Center: An Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt is automatically generated and sent to the filer.
The MPEP states: ‘If a submitter desires a receipt for any item (e.g., paper or fee) filed in the USPTO by means other than the USPTO patent electronic filing system, it may be obtained by enclosing with the paper a self-addressed postcard specifically identifying the item.’ (MPEP 503)