Applicants and registrants may use e-mail to conduct informal communications regarding a particular application or registration as an alternative to telephone communications. See TMEP §§709.04 and 709.05.

For example, an applicant may submit via e-mail:

1. Questions regarding an outstanding Office action that do not constitute a response;
2. Authorization to issue an examiner’s amendment or priority action (see TMEP §§707.01 and 708.01);
3. Objection to an examiner’s amendment (see TMEP §§707 and 707.02);
4. Notification of termination of a cancellation proceeding that is the basis for suspension (see TMEP §716.02(a)).
5. A request to arrange a convenient time to speak by telephone.

See TMEP §304.02 regarding communications that are not acceptable via e-mail.

Attachments. The USPTO will accept legible attachments to e-mail in .jpg or .pdf format. The USPTO will not accept or open attachments in any other format.

The examining attorney must ensure that all relevant informal e-mail communications from applicants are entered into the electronic record. See TMEP §§709.04 and 709.05 for further information.