What happens if a new power of attorney is filed listing only one of two previously appointed patent practitioners?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. When a new power of attorney is filed that lists only one of two previously appointed patent practitioners, it has significant implications. According to MPEP 403.02 : “Note that if the later-filed power of attorney only lists the second practitioner, the later-filed power of attorney serves as a revocation of the earlier-filed power of attorney, even without an express revocation of the power of the first patent practitioner.” This means that filing a new power of attorney listing only one practitioner effectively revokes the authority of the previously appointed practitioner, even if the revocation is not explicitly stated. This is an important consideration for applicants and practitioners when making changes to representation. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Later-Filed POA Lists Only Second Practitioner MPEP 403.02 Power of Attorney for Design Patents Only MPEP 403 Power of Attorney via Customer Number MPEP 403 Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Establish POA for Design Patents MPEP 403 Permitted Second Practitioner Added Requires Updated Correspondence Address MPEP 403.02 Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Permitted Correspondence vs Power of Attorney Customer Numbers MPEP 403 Permitted Specify Correspondence Address for Two Patent Practitioners MPEP 403.02 Recommended Double Correspondence Not Allowed With Applicant and Attorney MPEP 403 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO determine the correspondence address when multiple patent practitioners are involved? How is correspondence handled when two patent practiti...