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

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. 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entered into the image file wrapper of a patent application, they become a permanent part of the record and cannot be withdrawn or expunged without special authority from the Director of the USPTO. As stated in MPEP 719.01 : No paper legally entered in the image file wrapper should ever be withdrawn or expunged from the application file, especially a part of the original disclosure of the application, without special authority of the Director.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. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Original Disclosure Cannot Be Expunged Without Director’s Approval MPEP 719.01 Recommended Papers Not Part of Record Must Not Be Entered MPEP 719.01 Recommended Notations Required for Priority Claims MPEP 719 Papers Not Returned After Filing Date MPEP 719.01 Permitted Director Determines Public Disclosure of Published Patents MPEP 101 Required Published Abandoned Application File Available to Public MPEP 102 Required Patent Application Information Must Be Kept Confidential Until Published MPEP 103 Permitted Published Abandoned Application File Available to Public MPEP 103 Permitted Incorporated Material Cannot Be Separately Obtained Without Petition MPEP 103 Published Abandoned Application File Available to Public MPEP 1128 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can an applicant obtain copies of papers submitted to the USPTO? What happens to papers filed after the mailing of a Notice of Allowance in an IFW application? How are sequence listings handled in the Image File Wrapper? How are papers electronically submitted to the USPTO handled in the Image File Wrapper? What hap...