What are the possible statuses of a file order request in the USPTO’s File Ordering System?

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.

When an examiner places a file order request through the USPTO’s File Ordering System (FOS), they receive a response with one of the following statuses:

• Accepted
• Accepted, but the file is located at a remote warehouse (increased delivery time)
• Not accepted because the file is not located at the repository or warehouse
• Not accepted because a previous request for the file has not yet been filled
• Not accepted because the patent or application number inputted is not valid

As stated in MPEP 901.01(a): “After transmission of the request transaction by the examiner, a “response” screen appears which informs the examiner of the status of the request for each file.” This system helps examiners understand the availability and location of requested files, allowing for better planning and management of the examination process.