303.02(a) TEAS "Success" Page
When a document is filed electronically, the USPTO generally receives it within seconds after it has been submitted. TEAS almost immediately displays a "Success" page that confirms receipt. This page may be printed or copied-and-pasted into an electronic record for storage, and used as evidence of filing should any question arise as to the filing date of the document. See TMEP §303.01 regarding the filing date for a TEAS submission.
303.02(b) Permitted Paper Filings: USPTO "Mail Room Date" Label Showing Receipt
The USPTO places a label indicating the date of receipt on every application, part of an application, amendment, letter, or other permitted paper filing (see TMEP §301.02). The label is referred to as the "Mail Room Date" label, and it establishes the date of receipt (i.e., the filing date) of the paper-filed document. The documents are then scanned and added to the relevant application or registration record, and the prosecution history is updated accordingly.
303.02(c) Permitted Paper Filings: Filer-provided Postcard Receipt
For documents permitted to be filed on paper(see TMEP §301.02), a party may obtain a receipt by enclosing a self-addressed, stamped postcard identifying the document. The USPTO will place a label indicating the receipt date on the card and return it to the party who filed the document.
The identifying data on the postcard should be complete and specific. The nature of the document being filed on paper (e.g., application, affidavit, amendment, appeal, petition); the name of the applicant or registrant; the mark; the application filing date or registration date; and the application serial number, registration number, or proceeding number should be included if available. Each specific element of the filing should be listed on the postcard (e.g., written application, drawing page, fee, specimen) so that the postcard can be used as evidence that the element was submitted if the element is lost or disassociated from the record.
The party submitting the postcard is responsible for placing proper postage on the self-addressed postcard, and for ensuring that the proper mailing address appears on the postcard.