What is the significance of the AIA (America Invents Act) for patent application correspondence?

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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. The America Invents Act (AIA) brought significant changes to patent application correspondence, particularly for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. Key changes include: New rules for who can file patent applications Changes in correspondence procedures Updated requirements for patent practitioners’ authority According to MPEP 403.01(a) : “The provisions of 37 CFR 1.33(b) for patent applications filed on or after September 16, 2012 differ from the provisions of pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.33(b) for patent applications filed prior to September 16, 2012.” This highlights the importance of understanding the specific rules that apply based on the application’s filing date. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Change of Address for Patent Practitioners Not Updated in Roster MPEP 403.01(a) Correspondence Address Selection for Patent Applications MPEP 403.01(a) Permitted Correspondence Requirements for Filing Dates MPEP 403 Correspondence Address May Differ From Post Office Address MPEP 403 Permitted Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Permitted Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Establish POA for Design Patents MPEP 403 Permitted Time Extensions for Application Completion Required MPEP 403 Required Patent Practitioner Can Change Address Before Power of Attorney MPEP 403.01(a) Permitted Communications to Patent Owners Must Use File Address MPEP 403.01(a) Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple patent practitioners? How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple attorneys in a patent appl...