Can a Customer Number be used for multiple patent applications?

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.

Yes, a Customer Number can be used for multiple patent applications. This is one of the primary benefits of the Customer Number system. The MPEP 403 states:

‘The Customer Number practice permits applicants, attorneys, and agents of record to change their correspondence address for a number of applications with one request.’

This means that:

• A single Customer Number can be associated with multiple patent applications
• Changes to the correspondence address or list of registered practitioners can be made once and applied to all linked applications
• It simplifies portfolio management for applicants and law firms handling multiple patents

Using a Customer Number for multiple applications streamlines communication with the USPTO and helps ensure consistent handling of related patent matters.

For more information on Customer Number, visit: Customer Number.