What should applicants do if their patent attorney or agent is suspended?
If an applicant’s patent attorney or agent is suspended, they should take the following steps:
- File a new power of attorney in the application to have a registered attorney or agent represent them before the Office.
- Ensure all future papers are signed by authorized parties (see MPEP § 407, Form Paragraph 4.07 for details on who can sign).
- If necessary, find a new registered patent attorney or agent using USPTO resources.
- Update the correspondence address for the application if it was previously associated with the suspended practitioner.
It’s important to act promptly to ensure continued proper representation and communication with the USPTO.
Topics:
MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner,
MPEP 407 - Suspended or Excluded Patent Practitioner,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure