What happens to papers submitted to the USPTO after they are entered into the image file wrapper?

Once papers are entered into the image file wrapper of a patent application, they become a permanent part of the record and cannot be withdrawn or expunged without special authority from the Director of the USPTO. As stated in MPEP 719.01:

No paper legally entered in the image file wrapper should ever be withdrawn or expunged from the application file, especially a part of the original disclosure of the application, without special authority of the Director.

This ensures the integrity and completeness of the patent application record.

To learn more:

• image file wrapper
• patent application
• USPTO
• patent records