The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has posted a notice designating the interruption in service of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the areas affected by the winter storm in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama beginning on Tuesday, February 16, as a postal service interruption and emergency within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. 21(a) and 37 CFR 1.10(i) and 2.195(d). The designation provides support for any relevant petition to the Director under 37 CFR 1.10(i), or 2.146 and 2.195(d), to consider correspondence as filed on a particular date. To determine whether a post office has been closed or reopened, or whether postal services have been suspended or resumed in a particular area in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama due to the winter storm, contact the post office directly or visit the USPS website.
The designation has no impact on electronic filings at the USPTO.
The full text of the notice is available on the USPTO’s Patent Related Notices webpage.