Can an applicant appoint two patent practitioners for the same application?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 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. Yes, an applicant can appoint two patent practitioners for the same application. However, when doing so, it’s important to specify the correspondence address. As stated in the MPEP: “If the applicant simultaneously appoints two patent practitioners, applicant should indicate with whom correspondence is to be conducted by specifying a correspondence address.” This ensures clear communication between the USPTO and the applicant’s representatives. For more details, refer to MPEP § 403 , MPEP § 403.01(a) , and MPEP § 403.01(b) . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Correspondence Address May Differ From Post Office Address MPEP 403 Permitted Double Correspondence Not Allowed With Applicant and Attorney MPEP 403 Attorney/Agent Correspondence Address Requirement MPEP 403 Customer Number for Correspondence Address Required MPEP 403 Permitted Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Practice in Design Matters MPEP 403 Permitted Design Patent Practitioners Can Only Establish POA for Design Patents MPEP 403 Permitted Single Customer Number for Correspondence Address MPEP 403 Permitted Correspondence Address Required for Notification MPEP 403 Required Correspondence Address Required for Notification MPEP 403 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the significance of a Customer Number in patent application correspondence? How does the USPTO handle correspondence for juristic entities in patent applications? How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple patent practitioners? How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple attorneys in a patent application? How does t...