What happens if multiple correspondence addresses are provided in a patent application?
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 multiple correspondence addresses are provided in a patent application, the USPTO will select one of the specified addresses for use. According to MPEP 601.03(a):
If more than one correspondence address is specified, whether in a single paper or in multiple papers, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address.
It’s important to note that if the USPTO doesn’t select the address you intended, they will not remail papers to your desired address. To avoid confusion, it’s best to provide clear instructions regarding the correspondence address you wish to use.