What is the USPTO’s policy on federal holidays?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. What is the USPTO’s policy on federal holidays? The USPTO observes federal holidays and has specific policies regarding correspondence and deadlines that fall on these days: The USPTO is closed on all federal holidays. Deadlines that fall on a federal holiday are extended to the next business day. Correspondence is not accepted or processed on federal holidays. According to MPEP 502 : ‘Federal holidays falling on Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.’ This means that when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, the USPTO will be closed on the following Monday, and any deadlines will be extended accordingly. It’s important for patent applicants and attorneys to be aware of the federal holiday schedule and plan their filings accordingly to avoid missing critical deadlines. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Fax Date Stamped on Next Business Day If Holiday MPEP 502 Permitted Correspondence for Patent Applications Must Include Specific Information MPEP 502 Recommended Transmissions During USPTO Downtime Not Accepted MPEP 502.05 Prohibited Resubmission Within Two Weeks Required MPEP 502 Date of Deposit for Priority Mail Express Correspondence MPEP 502 Permitted Facsimile Transmissions for Correspondence Must Include Application Identifiers MPEP 502 Recommended Office Date Stamp Requirement for Returned Papers MPEP 502 Recommended Receipt Date for Electronic Filings Is Eastern Time Regardless of Holidays MPEP 502 Permitted Patent and Trademark Office Not Open on Weekends and Holidays MPEP 502 Permitted Application Number Must Be Identified Before Filing Correspondence MPEP 502 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How do I properly identi...