How is the statutory period for reply to an Office action computed?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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 statutory period for reply to an Office action is computed from the notification or mail date printed on the Office action to the date of receipt by the Office of the applicant’s reply. According to MPEP 710.01(a) : No cognizance is taken of fractions of a day and applicant’s reply is due on the corresponding day of the month 6 months or any lesser number of months specified after the Office action. For example, if an Office action with a 3-month shortened statutory period is dated November 30, the reply is due on February 28 (or 29 in a leap year) of the following year. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reply to Office Action Due Dates MPEP 710.01(a) Permitted Extension of Reply Time for Office Action MPEP 710.01(a) 1-Month Extension Extends Reply Date to Following Month MPEP 710.01(a) 1-Month Reply Extension Due by May 31 MPEP 710.01(a) Permitted Application Abandoned After Midnight If Timely Reply Not Filed MPEP 710.01(a) Application Abandoned for Missing Prosecution Within Six Months MPEP 710 Required Director May Extend Time for Taking Action on Important Inventions MPEP 710 Permitted Technology Center Director Decides Time Extensions MPEP 710 Extension Not Affected by Holiday MPEP 710.01(a) Permitted Indicate Expiration Date for Non-1 Month Extensions MPEP 710.01(a) Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the &#8216;next succeeding business day&#8217; rule for patent application deadlines? What happens if the statutory period for reply ends on a weekend or federal holiday? What should applicants know about recognizing reply due dates for patent applications? How are statutory periods calculated for holidays and weekends? Ho...