What is limited recognition in patent matters?

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.

Limited recognition in patent matters is a provision that allows certain individuals who are not registered patent practitioners to prosecute specific patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). According to 37 CFR 11.9(a):

Any individual not registered under § 11.6 may, upon a showing of circumstances that render it necessary or justifiable and that the individual is of good moral character and reputation, be given limited recognition by the OED Director to prosecute as attorney or agent a specified patent application or specified patent applications.

This means that under certain circumstances, individuals who are not registered patent attorneys or agents may be granted permission to work on specific patent applications.