Can I submit original documents for recording patent assignments?

No, you should not submit original documents for recording patent assignments. The USPTO explicitly states:

“The United States Patent and Trademark Office will accept and record only a copy of an original assignment or other document. See MPEP § 317. The document submitted for recordation will not be returned to the submitter.”

It’s crucial to submit only copies of original documents, as the USPTO will not return the recorded documents. This ensures that you retain your original documents while still complying with the recording requirements.