How does the USPTO handle Priority Mail Express® submissions?

Priority Mail Express® submissions to the USPTO are handled differently from regular mail. According to MPEP 505, New patent applications filed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 will be stamped by the Office with the date of deposit as Priority Mail Express® with the United States Postal Service.

This means:

• The date of deposit with USPS is used as the receipt date, not the date it arrives at the USPTO
• This applies even on weekends and holidays when the USPTO is closed

For example, if a new patent application is deposited in Priority Mail Express® in accordance with 37 CFR 1.10 on a Saturday and the United States Postal Service gives it a date of deposit of Saturday, the Office will accord and stamp the correspondence with the Saturday date.

For more information on Priority Mail Express, visit: Priority Mail Express.

For more information on USPTO, visit: USPTO.