How should correspondence be addressed for matters not specific to patents or trademarks?
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 OfficeP.O. Box 1450Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 This address should be used for: Patent and trademark documents sent to the Assignment Division for recordation (Mail…
Read MoreWhat happens if my correspondence with a Certificate of Mailing is not received by the USPTO?
If correspondence with a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission is not received by the USPTO after a reasonable amount of time, you can take steps to notify the Office and provide evidence of the previous timely filing. According to 37 CFR 1.8(b): In the event that correspondence is considered timely filed by being mailed or…
Read MoreHow are filing deadlines affected by USPTO closures?
When the entire USPTO is officially closed for business for an entire day due to adverse weather or other causes: The day is considered a “Federal holiday within the District of Columbia” under 35 U.S.C. 21 Any action or fee due on such a day may be taken or paid on the next succeeding business…
Read MoreWhat is the procedure when the USPTO cannot locate a patent or application file?
When the USPTO cannot locate a patent or application file after a reasonable search, they follow the procedure outlined in 37 CFR 1.251. The key steps are: The Office notifies the applicant or patentee about the unlocatable file. A time period is set for the applicant or patentee to comply with the notice. The applicant…
Read MoreWhat is the mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers?
The mailing address for trademark applications and trademark-related papers filed on paper is: Commissioner for TrademarksP.O. Box 1451Alexandria, 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…
Read MoreWhat are the hours for the Public Search Facility in Alexandria?
The Public Search Facility in Alexandria has extended hours compared to the regular USPTO business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Excluding federal holidays in the District of Columbia As stated in MPEP 510: “The hours for the Public Search Facility in Alexandria are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for accessing USPTO public information facilities?
To access USPTO public information facilities: A valid Public User or Visitor’s badge is required Badges can be obtained from the Office of Security next to the Public Search Facility An On-line Service Card is required for access to all Public Search Facilities and on-line systems MPEP 510 states: “A valid Public User or Visitor’s…
Read MoreWhat happens if there’s a postal interruption or emergency affecting USPTO correspondence?
In the event of a postal interruption or emergency: An announcement will be placed on the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov A notice will be published in the Official Gazette These communications will provide instructions about filing patent applications and other papers related to patent applications and patents The USPTO Director may prescribe rules considering papers…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle mail received on weekends or holidays?
The USPTO does not officially receive mail on weekends or federal holidays when the office is closed. Any correspondence received on these days is typically stamped with the next business day’s date. For example, if mail is delivered to the USPTO on a Saturday, it will be stamped with the following Monday’s date (or Tuesday…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle facsimile transmissions for dating purposes?
The USPTO has specific rules for dating facsimile transmissions. According to 37 CFR 1.6(a)(3): Correspondence transmitted by facsimile to the Patent and Trademark Office will be stamped with the date on which the complete transmission is received in the Patent and Trademark Office unless that date is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday within the…
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