What is the purpose of a self-addressed postcard when filing a patent application?

A self-addressed postcard serves as a receipt and provides evidence of the items submitted to the USPTO with a patent application. According to MPEP 503, the postcard should itemize all components of the application, including:

• Inventor’s name(s)
• Title of invention
• Number of pages of specification, claims, and sheets of drawing
• Whether the inventor’s oath or declaration is included
• List of additional forms included
• Amount and manner of paying the fee

The MPEP states: “A postcard receipt which itemizes and properly identifies the items which are being filed serves as prima facie evidence of receipt in the USPTO of all the items listed thereon on the date stamped thereon by the USPTO.”

It’s important to note that the postcard must be properly itemized to serve as evidence of receipt. Simply listing “a complete application” is not sufficient. Each component should be specifically listed on the postcard.

For applications filed via EFS-Web, an Electronic Acknowledgment Receipt serves as the electronic equivalent of a postcard receipt.

For more information on patent application filing, visit: patent application filing.

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