What is the significance of the Certificate of Mailing in patent application procedures?

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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. The Certificate of Mailing plays a crucial role in patent application procedures, particularly in relation to response deadlines. According to MPEP 710.02 : “The Certificate of Mailing procedure does not apply to time periods set in the Office action — it applies only to requirements for a timely reply.” This means that while the Certificate of Mailing can be used to establish the date of reply to an Office action, it does not affect the calculation of the statutory period set in the Office action itself. The significance lies in: Proving timely submission of responses Establishing the date of reply for deadline purposes Protecting applicants from postal delays It’s important to note that the actual receipt date at the USPTO is still relevant for determining when the statutory period expires. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Time Periods Not Extendable After Notice of Allowability MPEP 710.02 Fees for Extensions of Time to Act in Patent Applications MPEP 710.02 Failure to Reply During Shortened Statutory Period Results in Abandonment Unless Extended MPEP 710.02(e) Shortened Statutory Periods Subject to Time Extensions MPEP 710.02 No Extension Can Extend Reply Deadline Beyond Statute Maximum MPEP 710.02(e) Permitted Shortened Reply Periods for Application Responses MPEP 710.02 No Extension Can Extend Reply Due Date Beyond Statute Maximum MPEP 710.02 Permitted Petition for Extension Not Required Within Original Period MPEP 710.02(e) Required Time Limits for Requiring Reply MPEP 710.02 Petition-Based Extension for Missing Reply Deadline MPEP 710.02 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the purpose of a shortened statutory period in pa...