What are the acceptable methods for filing papers with the USPTO?

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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 accepts several methods for filing papers: Hand-delivery to the USPTO office in Alexandria, Virginia First-class mail through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Express Mail service of the USPS Electronic filing through the USPTO’s Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web) As stated in MPEP 501 : ‘Papers may be filed using first class mail through the United States Postal Service.’ The MPEP also notes that ‘Correspondence may be hand-carried to the Office.’ For electronic filing, it’s important to note that ‘EFS-Web can be used to file new applications, enter the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371, and submit most follow-on documents in patent applications.’ For more information on EFS-Web, visit: EFS-Web . For more information on electronic filing, visit: electronic filing . For more information on Express Mail, visit: Express Mail . For more information on first-class mail, visit: first-class mail . For more information on hand-delivery, visit: hand-delivery . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Disclosure of Assistance in Patent Application Preparation Required MPEP 501 Addresses for Patent and Trademark Correspondence Must Be Specified MPEP 501 Recommended Requirement for Electronic Filing of Trademark Assignments MPEP 501 Correspondence to Office of the Solicitor Must Be Addressed Specifically MPEP 501 Required Hand-Carried Correspondence Must Be Delivered to Office MPEP 501 Required Correspondence to Office of Enrollment and Discipline Required MPEP 501 Recommended Correspondence to Office of the Solicitor Must Be Addressed Properly MPEP 501 Patent Correspondence Must Be Electronically Filed MPEP 501 Patent Papers Must Be Hand-Delivered...