This section discusses how to submit correspondence to the PTO. This includes a brief introduction to filing new patent applications and related correspondence through the Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web) and priority mail express. The importance of filing post allowance correspondence prior to the date of issue fee payment is also discussed.

• Review Ed9 10.2019: 502

This section includes a discussion on application numbers. Application numbers are assigned by the Office. The Office will provide the application number if a self-addressed postcard is submitted with the patent application. Filing receipts are also discussed here as well as return post cards.

• Review Ed9 10.2019: 503

This section covers details on a Certificate of Mailing or Transmission. The Certificate of Mailing does not apply to papers mailed in a foreign country, but a Certificate of Transmission can apply to papers mailed in a foreign country.

This section also covers the procedure by the applicant, use of a stamped certification, the Office procedure, and instances where the original mailed paper is not delivered.

• Review Ed9 10.2019: 512

This section covers submitting papers through priority mail express.

Effective July 28, 2013, the United States Postal Service (USPS) changed the name of “Express Mail” to “Priority Mail Express.” All characteristics of the “Priority Mail Express” service are the same as those of the former “Express Mail” service (although the mailing labels differ).

Details of priority mail express are outlined including the date-in, "express mail" mailing label numbers, petitions challenging the "express mail" mailing label or other issues, petitions to correct the filing date or correspondence never received. Several other petitions are also covered including a petition for correspondence returned or refused due to postal interruptions or emergencies.

• Review Ed9 10.2019: 513