What is the difference between a statutory period and a 30-day period in USPTO communications?
The MPEP distinguishes between statutory periods and 30-day periods in USPTO communications:
- A statutory period is typically calculated in months and ends on the corresponding day of the future month.
- A 30-day period means 30 calendar days, including weekends and holidays.
The MPEP states:
“A 30-day period for reply in the Office means 30 calendar days including Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. However, if the period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the reply is timely if it is filed on the next succeeding business day.”
This distinction is important for accurately calculating deadlines and avoiding unintentional abandonment of applications.
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