How do I address paper submissions for supplemental examination proceedings?

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.

Paper submissions for supplemental examination proceedings should be addressed differently depending on the delivery method:

1. For mail delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS):
   Mail Stop Supplemental Examination
   Central Reexamination Unit
   Commissioner for Patents
   P.O. Box 1450
   Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
2. For hand-carried or other delivery services (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL):
   United States Patent and Trademark Office
   Customer Service Window
   Mail Stop Supplemental Examination
   Central Reexamination Unit
   Randolph Building, Lobby Level
   401 Dulany Street
   Alexandria, VA 22314

The MPEP recommends: “Whether the correspondence is mailed via the U.S. Postal Service mail or is hand-carried to the Office, it is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper filed, utilizing a large font size to direct attention to it.” (MPEP 2806)

For papers to be filed in a resulting ex parte reexamination proceeding, use “Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam” instead of “Mail Stop Supplemental Examination” in the address.