Which days are considered federal holidays by the USPTO?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10
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 USPTO recognizes the following days as federal holidays, as specified in MPEP 710.05:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
- Veteran’s Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Additionally, when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also considered a federal holiday. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is considered a federal holiday.