How does the USPTO handle Inauguration Day for patent deadlines?
Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years) is treated as a legal public holiday for employees in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas, according to MPEP 710.05:
“Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 6103(c), Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years) ‘is a legal public holiday for the purpose of statutes relating to pay and leave of employees . . .’ employed in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.”
If Inauguration Day falls on a Sunday, the next day selected for observance is considered a legal public holiday. However, there is no specific provision for Inauguration Day falling on a Saturday. For patent deadlines, Inauguration Day would likely be treated as a federal holiday, extending deadlines to the next business day.
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