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

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

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.