What happens to papers received after a patent application is patented or abandoned?

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.

According to MPEP 508.02, after a patent application is either patented or abandoned, any incoming communication that is not intended to become part of the official record will be returned to the sender. The MPEP states:

“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.”

This procedure ensures that the official patent file remains accurate and contains only relevant information after the application process has concluded.