401.04    Creation of Application Records

The USPTO maintains an electronic record of all applications, containing all incoming and outgoing documents, which comprises the official administrative record.   See TMEP §402; see generally 15 U.S.C §1071(a)(4); 5 U.S.C. §§556, 557, 706.

For paper applications, the USPTO scans all incoming documents and creates an electronic record.  The examining attorney works from the electronic record, and outgoing communications are put into the electronic record only.

All applications are electronically routed to the law offices.