What is the purpose of a Certificate of Mailing?

A Certificate of Mailing serves a specific purpose in the context of patent submissions, and the key aspect of this certificate is that it establishes the mailing date as the official date of submission. When a document is submitted with a Certificate of Mailing, it provides evidence that the document was sent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on a specific date. This is essential because it can impact various deadlines and time-sensitive matters related to patent prosecution.

Establishing the mailing date as the official submission date is critical in determining whether a filing is timely. This is particularly important in patent law, where strict deadlines must be adhered to for filings, responses, and other actions during the prosecution of a patent application.

Other elements related to the options help highlight the unique function of the Certificate of Mailing. For instance, while confirming receipt of documents is important, that is not the role of the Certificate of Mailing; instead, the USPTO uses other means for confirming receipt, such as acknowledgment receipts. Additionally, the Certificate of Mailing itself does not expedite the review process or transform faxed documents into valid submissions; it merely verifies the date of mailing. Thus, its primary purpose is clearly focused on establishing the mailing date.