
      (a) The Director may by rule prescribe that any paper or fee
    required to be filed in the Patent and Trademark Office will be
    considered filed in the Office on the date on which it was
    deposited with the United States Postal Service or would have been
    deposited with the United States Postal Service but for postal
    service interruptions or emergencies designated by the Director.
      (b) When the day, or the last day, for taking any action or
    paying any fee in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
    falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday within the District
    of Columbia, the action may be taken, or the fee paid, on the next
    succeeding secular or business day.

Last modified: April 19, 2006