How does the USPTO handle inquiries from Congress and the White House?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. The USPTO has a specific procedure for handling inquiries from high-level government sources. According to MPEP 203.08(a) : Inquiries referred to in this section such as correspondence from Congress or the White House should immediately be transmitted to the Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs, and a staff member of that office should be notified by phone that such correspondence has been received at 571-272-7300. This process ensures uniformity in handling these important inquiries and compliance with Department of Commerce directives. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Inquiries Must Be Forwarded to Specific Officials MPEP 203 Recommended Inquiries Must Be Forwarded to Designated Officials MPEP 203.08(a) Recommended Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status MPEP 203 Nonprovisional Application Before First Office Action MPEP 203 Request for Continued Examination Not a New Application MPEP 203 Check Patent Center for Application Status MPEP 203 Recommended Inquiry Requirement for Official Actions MPEP 203 AAU Checks Application Status MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the process for handling embassy inquiries at the USPTO? How are Congressional and other official inquiries handled by the USPTO? What is the purpose of the USPTO&#8217;s special procedures for official inquiries? How are Congressional and other official inquiries about patent applications handled? How should USPTO staff handle correspondence from Executive departments and agencies?