Can the USPTO set a shorter reply period for patent office actions?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 3 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Yes, the USPTO can set a shorter reply period for patent office actions. According to 35 U.S.C. 133 : ‘…or within such shorter time, not less than thirty days, as fixed by the Director in such action, the application shall be regarded as abandoned by the parties thereto.’ This provision allows the USPTO to set a reply period shorter than six months, but not less than 30 days, for responding to office actions. The specific time frame will be indicated in the office action itself. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 3 rules Collapse Application Abandoned for Missing Prosecution Within Six Months MPEP 710 Required Director May Extend Time for Taking Action on Important Inventions MPEP 710 Permitted Technology Center Director Decides Time Extensions MPEP 710 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How long do I have to respond to a notice about an unlocatable file? How does 37 CFR 1.136 affect time periods in patent applications? What happens when two different periods for reply are running against a patent application? What is the &#8216;next succeeding business day&#8217; rule for patent application deadlines? When does the USPTO set time periods that are not subject to extensions?