109.02 Paper Files
The USPTO does not create paper files for trademark applications or retain paper copies of trademark-related documents that are submitted to the USPTO in paper or electronic format. Incoming papers received in the USTPO are scanned into the electronic record and retained for one year, after which they are destroyed. See notice at 77 FR 3745 (Jan. 25, 2012). A request to correct the electronic record regarding a paper scanned into the electronic record should be addressed to tmscanning@uspto.gov no later than one month prior to the expiration of the one-year retention period.
Furthermore, the USPTO does not generate paper documents, except for the original notices or Office actions that are by mailed to applicants or registrants who have not authorized communication by email and certified copies of trademark documents requested by the public. See TMEP §111. All documents related to a U.S. trademark application, registration, or international application can be viewed and printed through the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) database.
Older paper files for abandoned applications and cancelled and expired registrations may be destroyed two years after the date of abandonment, cancellation, or expiration. See notice at 980 TMOG 16, reprinted at 1232 TMOG 625 (March 21, 2000). See TBMP §120.03 regarding the retention schedule for the files of terminated Board proceedings.
See TMEP §503.08 regarding the accessibility of assignment records.