How should USPTO staff handle correspondence from Executive departments and agencies?

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.

USPTO staff should follow specific procedures when handling correspondence from Executive departments and agencies. According to MPEP 203.08(a):

Correspondence and inquiries from the White House, Members of Congress, embassies, and heads of Executive departments and agencies normally are cleared by the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs and/or the Office of Governmental Affairs.

Staff should immediately transmit such correspondence to the appropriate office and notify them by phone to ensure prompt and proper handling.