306.04 Procedure for Filing by Fax
Each transmission session should be limited to correspondence to be filed in a single application or other proceeding before the Office. The application serial number or registration number should be entered as a part of the sender’s identification on a facsimile cover sheet. 37 C.F.R. §2.195(c). Applicants should wait until an application serial number is assigned before filing any document related to a new application by fax. See 37 C.F.R. §2.194(a).
It is recommended that each transmission include a cover sheet that, in addition to stating the application serial number or registration number, specifies the mark, the number of pages being transmitted, and the name, address, fax number, and telephone number of the transmitting party.
Each facsimile-transmitted document must be legible. The preferred size of the document being submitted is 8½ inches by 11 inches, letter size or A4 paper. Because equipment used by the Office cannot print a document larger than 8½ inches by 11 inches, correspondence should not be transmitted on larger paper.
When correspondence is filed by facsimile transmission, it is recommended that the sending facsimile machine generate a report confirming transmission for each transmission session. This report should be retained by the applicant, along with the original correspondence, as evidence of content and date of transmission.
Unless specifically requested to do so by the Office, parties should not mail follow up copies of documents transmitted by fax. 37 C.F.R. §2.193(g)(2). This can delay processing.