What information is required for foreign inventors in a U.S. 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.

For foreign inventors in a U.S. patent application, the following information is required:

• The inventor’s full name
• Residence (city and either state or foreign country)
• Mailing address
• Citizenship

According to MPEP 602.08(a): ‘If the residence is not in the United States, the residence (city and country) and mailing address must be provided.’ It’s important to note that the mailing address is particularly crucial for foreign inventors to ensure proper communication with the USPTO.