How does the USPTO notify client-applicants of a patent practitioner’s death?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 9 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. According to MPEP 406 , the USPTO follows a specific procedure to notify client-applicants: ‘The Office of Enrollment and Discipline will notify the client-applicant of the availability of a list of patent practitioners who may be available to represent the client-applicant.’ This notification ensures that the client-applicant is aware of the situation and has resources to find new representation if needed. For more information on patent practitioner death, visit: patent practitioner death . For more information on USPTO notification, visit: USPTO notification . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 9 rules Collapse Patent Practitioner Cannot Appoint Substitute MPEP 406 Prohibited Death Terminates Power of Attorney MPEP 406 Copy of Office Action Sent to Appointer Upon Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Listing of Patent Practitioners Required MPEP 401 Examiner Must Add Form Paragraph 4.03 in Office Actions After Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Recommended How to Get a List of Registered Patent Practitioners MPEP 401 Permitted Examiner Should Not Suggest Patent Practitioner Without Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 401 Recommended Examiners May Notify Applicant of Untimely Foreign Priority Claim MPEP 216 Permitted Examiner May Suggest Hiring Patent Attorney for Pro Se Applicants MPEP 401 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle correspondence after a sole patent practitioner&#8217;s death? Who receives USPTO correspondence after a patent practitioner&#8217;s death? What is Form Paragraph 4.03 used for in USPTO Office actions? What happens to a patent practitioner&#8217;s power of attorney when they die? Can a patent practitioner appoint a substitute befor...