How is an agent or common representative appointed in an international patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. According to MPEP 1807 , the appointment of an agent, attorney, or common representative can be effected in several ways: In the Request form, signed by the applicant In the Demand form, signed by the applicant In a separate power of attorney submitted to the United States Receiving Office or the International Bureau The MPEP cites PCT Rule 90.4(a), which states: “ The appointment of an agent shall be effected by the applicant signing the request, the demand or a separate power of attorney. Where there are two or more applicants, the appointment of a common agent or common representative shall be effected by each applicant signing, at his choice, the request, the demand or a separate power of attorney. “ It’s important to note that the Customer Number Practice used in U.S. national applications cannot be used to appoint an agent or designate a correspondence address in the international phase. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Customer Number Cannot Be Used for Appointment MPEP 1807 Appointment of Agent Required for PCT Applications MPEP 1807 Required Agent Appointment Must Be Signed By Applicant MPEP 1807 Required Customer Number Cannot Appoint Agent or Designate Address MPEP 1807 Prohibited Power of Attorney Must Be Submitted to Specified Authority MPEP 1807 Required Agent Appointment via General Power of Attorney Required MPEP 1807 Permitted Customer Number Practice Invalidates POA Without Correction MPEP 1807 Waiver of Separate Power of Attorney Requirement MPEP 1807 Prohibited Separate Power of Attorney Requirement MPEP 1807 Required First Named Applicant Is Common Representative If No Attorney/Agent MPEP 1807 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQ...