How should the mailing address for correspondence be 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 providing the mailing address for correspondence in a patent application:

• Include a complete mailing address
• Use the address where the inventor customarily receives mail
• For foreign inventors, provide an address in the U.S. for correspondence

The MPEP 602.08(b) states: ‘The mailing address of each inventor must be provided in order to comply with the separate notification requirement of 35 U.S.C. 11(a).’ This ensures that the USPTO can effectively communicate with all inventors throughout the patent process.