What is the general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers?
The general mailing address for patent applications and patent-related papers is: Commissioner for PatentsP.O. Box 1450Alexandria, 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,…
Read MoreCan a patent application be returned to the applicant after filing?
No, patent applications that are entitled to a filing date will not be returned to the applicant, even if requested. This applies to applications filed by regular mail, Priority Mail Express, hand-delivery, or through the USPTO patent electronic filing system. The MPEP clearly states: ‘Applications which are entitled to a filing date, whether filed by…
Read MoreHow can I get a receipt for items filed with the USPTO?
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…
Read MoreWhat information is included in a patent filing receipt?
A patent filing receipt includes: Application number Filing date Confirmation number Suggested class in the U.S. Patent Classification System Art unit number where the application is likely to be examined Continuing data (if applicable) National stage data (if applicable) Foreign priority data (if applicable) Foreign filing license data (if applicable) Entity status information Anticipated publication…
Read MoreWhat are the series codes for different types of patent applications?
The USPTO assigns different series codes to various types of patent applications: 01/ – 16/: Nonprovisional applications (utility, plant, and reissue) 29/: Design applications 35/: International design applications 60/, 61/, and 62/: Provisional applications 90/: Ex parte reexamination proceedings 95/: Inter partes reexamination proceedings 96/: Supplemental examination proceedings and resulting ex parte reexamination proceedings The…
Read MoreHow are patent applications initially processed by the USPTO?
Patent applications are initially processed by the USPTO through electronic scanning and loading into the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system. According to MPEP 508, “All applications are electronically scanned and loaded into the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system upon filing. Once documents are loaded into the IFW system, examiners, technical support staff, and other Office…
Read MoreWhat happens to papers received after a patent is granted or an application is abandoned?
According to MPEP 508.02, “After an application is patented or abandoned, any incoming communication which is not to become part of the record will be returned to the sender. If a paper has been scanned into the IFW, ‘return’ of the paper will be accomplished by the Office closing it in IFW.” This means that…
Read MoreWhat are the official business hours of the USPTO?
The official business hours of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Excluding federal holidays in the District of Columbia As stated in MPEP 510: “The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle applications filed with missing parts?
When an application is filed with missing parts, the USPTO follows these procedures: If the application meets minimum requirements for a filing date, it will be assigned one. A Notice to File Missing Parts will be issued, detailing the missing items. Applicants must submit missing items along with any required surcharges within the specified time…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle correspondence with a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission?
The USPTO has specific procedures for handling correspondence with a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission: All papers received by mail are date stamped with the actual date of receipt, regardless of any Certificate of Mailing. For papers with a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission, the date on the certificate is used to determine if the…
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