Can the USPTO set a statutory period shorter than 30 days?

No, the USPTO cannot set a statutory period shorter than 30 days. According to MPEP 710.01:

‘In no case may a statutory time period for reply set by the Office be less than 30 days.’

This 30-day minimum ensures that applicants have a reasonable amount of time to respond to Office actions. Even in cases where expedited examination is desired, the USPTO must provide at least 30 days for a response.

To learn more:

• statutory period
• minimum response time
• USPTO
• Office action