Can I use any Priority Mail Express® service for patent application submissions?
Can I use any Priority Mail Express® service for patent application submissions? No, not all Priority Mail Express® services are acceptable for patent application submissions. The USPTO specifically requires the use of USPS Priority Mail Express® service. According to MPEP 513: “The Priority Mail Express® Post Office to Addressee service is the only USPS overnight…
Read MoreWhat is the Priority Mail Express® procedure for filing correspondence with the USPTO?
The Priority Mail Express® procedure allows applicants to obtain a filing date based on the date of deposit with the United States Postal Service (USPS), rather than the date of receipt at the USPTO. This is authorized by 35 U.S.C. 21(a) and governed by 37 CFR 1.10. To use this procedure, applicants must: Use the…
Read MoreWhat happens if Priority Mail Express® is returned to the USPTO as undeliverable?
What happens if Priority Mail Express® is returned to the USPTO as undeliverable? If Priority Mail Express® sent by the USPTO is returned by the USPS as undeliverable, the USPTO will retain the returned item and the envelope. According to MPEP 513: If any Priority Mail Express® sent by the Office to a patent applicant…
Read MoreWhat should I do if the Priority Mail Express® mailing label is not available?
What should I do if the Priority Mail Express® mailing label is not available? If the Priority Mail Express® mailing label is not available, you can still benefit from the Priority Mail Express® date using an alternative procedure. The MPEP 513 provides guidance: In the event the Priority Mail Express® mailing label is not available,…
Read MoreCan I use Priority Mail Express® for international patent applications?
Can I use Priority Mail Express® for international patent applications? Yes, you can use Priority Mail Express® for international patent applications. The MPEP 513 states: Priority Mail Express® and certificate of mailing procedures … apply to papers filed in international applications as well. However, it’s important to note that there are specific requirements for international…
Read MoreCan I use Priority Mail Express® for international patent application submissions to the USPTO?
Can I use Priority Mail Express® for international patent application submissions to the USPTO? Yes, you can use Priority Mail Express® for international patent application submissions to the USPTO. However, there are specific considerations: Priority Mail Express® can be used for correspondence relative to international applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The USPTO acts…
Read MoreCan I file a patent application on weekends or holidays?
While the USPTO is not open for physical filing on weekends or federal holidays, you can still file patent applications electronically or use the Priority Mail Express® service. The MPEP states: In accordance with 37 CFR 1.6(a)(2), even when the Office is not open for the filing of correspondence on any day that is a…
Read MoreWhat are the recommended methods for filing new patent applications?
The USPTO recommends several methods for filing new patent applications, with some being more advantageous than others. According to MPEP 511, the recommended methods are: Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web or Patent Center): This is the most recommended method. As stated in MPEP 511: “In general, applicants should consider filing new patent applications (as well as…
Read MoreHow can I ensure my corrected assignment documents are considered timely submitted?
To ensure your corrected assignment documents are considered timely submitted, the USPTO provides two methods as outlined in MPEP 317.02: Use the certification procedure under 37 CFR 1.8 (see MPEP § 512) Use the “Priority Mail Express®” procedure under 37 CFR 1.10 (see MPEP § 513) The MPEP states: “The certification procedure under 37 CFR…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between ‘Express Mail’ and ‘Priority Mail Express’?
As of July 28, 2013, the United States Postal Service (USPS) renamed ‘Express Mail’ to ‘Priority Mail Express’. According to MPEP 511: “Effective July 28, 2013, the United States Postal Service (USPS) changed the name of ‘Express Mail’ to ‘Priority Mail Express.’ All characteristics of the ‘Priority Mail Express’ service are the same as those…
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