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

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 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. 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. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse 6-Month Reply Period for Office Actions MPEP 710.01 New Time Period for Missing Reply Elements MPEP 710.01 Permitted Examiner May Set Shortened Time Period for Omission Reply MPEP 710.01 Required Minimum Shortened Statutory Period Is 30 Days MPEP 710.02(b) Prohibited Failure to Reply Within Time Period Results in Abandonment MPEP 710.01 Extension of Time for Reply After Final Rejection MPEP 710.02(e) Permitted Shortened Statutory Period for Reply After Final Rejection and Advisory Action MPEP 714.13 Requirement for Six Month Reply Period MPEP 710.01 Shortened Reply Period Is Commonly Used MPEP 710.01 Maximum Reply Period for Office Actions MPEP 1302.04 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the difference between a statutory period and a shortened statutory period in patent examination? What happens if I respond to a USPTO Office action after the statutory period expires? 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?