How does the USPTO handle patent applications during postal service emergencies?

During postal service emergencies, the USPTO takes special measures to ensure patent applications are handled appropriately:

• The USPTO Director may designate the interruption or emergency as a ‘postal service interruption or emergency’ under 35 U.S.C. 21(a).
• This designation allows for the acceptance of filings that would have been timely filed if not for the postal service interruption or emergency.
• The USPTO may publish a notice in the Official Gazette and on its website about the designation and any special procedures to be followed.

As stated in MPEP 511: The USPTO will consider on a case-by-case basis whether to waive the date indicated on any certificate of mailing or transmission accompanied by a showing which establishes to the satisfaction of the Director that the delay was due to the emergency.

To learn more:

• postal emergencies
• USPTO procedures
• patent applications
• filing deadlines