How is correspondence handled when two patent practitioners are appointed?
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.
When two patent practitioners are appointed, the handling of correspondence depends on how and when they were appointed. According to MPEP 403.02:
“If, after one patent practitioner is appointed, a second patent practitioner is later added by submission of a new power of attorney appointing both practitioners, correspondence will be mailed to the latest correspondence address of record.”
This means that the USPTO will use the most recently provided correspondence address. It’s important to note that this is governed by 37 CFR 1.33 and 37 CFR 1.76, which provide regulations on correspondence and application data sheets.