USPTO issues statement on Hurricane Irma

The following statement was sent from USPTO spokesman Ryan Honic at 11:03am ET on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

The USPTO has been closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Irma. As during Hurricane Harvey we will publish a notice designating the interruption in service of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma, as a postal service interruption and emergency within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 21(a). We will also provide additional guidance, instructions, and contact information for customers affected by the storm who have questions or problems regarding applications or other proceedings related to patents, trademarks, or other business before the agency. In the meantime we encourage our customers to closely monitor hurricane-related forecasts and take all necessary precautions for their safety.