What happens to a power of attorney given to a suspended or disbarred patent practitioner?

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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. A power of attorney given to a suspended or disbarred patent practitioner becomes ineffective. The MPEP states: ‘Any power of attorney given to a practitioner who has been suspended or disbarred by the Office is ineffective, and does not authorize the person to practice before the Office or to represent applicants or patentees in patent matters.’ (MPEP § 407) Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Sole Practitioner When Suspended or Excluded MPEP 407 Recommended Requirement for Excluded Patent Practitioners MPEP 407 Patent Practitioner Required for Power of Attorney MPEP 2213 Required Use Form When At Least One Registered Practitioner Remains Unexcluded MPEP 407 Recommended POA Form Requirements for Suspended Agents MPEP 407 Recommended Patent Practitioner Must File Power of Attorney MPEP 104 Patent Practitioner or Joint Inventor Can Give Power of Attorney MPEP 402 Permitted Power of Attorney Must Name Inventors or Practitioners MPEP 2804 Required Attorney or Agent Can Act Under Power of Attorney or Representative Capacity MPEP 2804 Permitted Submission Can Be Signed by Patent Practitioner of Record MPEP 325 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO communicate when an attorney or agent is suspended? Who can sign papers in a patent application when the attorney is suspended? What is the difference between a suspended and an excluded patent practitioner? How can applicants find a new patent attorney or agent when their current one is suspended? What should applicants do if their patent attorney or agent is suspended?