How are filing deadlines affected by USPTO closures?
When the entire USPTO is officially closed for business for an entire day due to adverse weather or other causes:
- The day is considered a “Federal holiday within the District of Columbia” under 35 U.S.C. 21
- Any action or fee due on such a day may be taken or paid on the next succeeding business day the Office is open
MPEP 510 states: “When the entire USPTO is officially closed for business for an entire day, for reasons due to adverse weather or other causes, the Office will consider each such day a ‘Federal holiday within the District of Columbia’ under 35 U.S.C. 21. Any action or fee due on such a day may be taken, or fee paid, on the next succeeding business day the Office is open.”
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers,
MPEP 510 - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Business Hours,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure