What happens to incoming communications after a patent is granted or an application is abandoned?

After a patent is granted or an application is abandoned, the USPTO has specific procedures for handling incoming communications. According to the MPEP, After an application is patented or abandoned, any incoming communication which is not to become part of the record will be returned to the sender.

In the case of digital documents, the MPEP states, If a paper has been scanned into the IFW, ‘return’ of the paper will be accomplished by the Office closing it in IFW. This means that the document will be marked as closed in the digital system, effectively removing it from active consideration.

For more information on post-grant communications, visit: post-grant communications.

For more information on USPTO procedures, visit: USPTO procedures.