Who is permitted to represent others before the USPTO in patent matters?
The USPTO has specific rules about who can represent others in patent matters. According to MPEP 1702, which cites 37 CFR 11.10(a):
“Only practitioners registered under § 11.6; individuals given limited recognition under § 11.9(a) or (b) or § 11.16; or individuals admitted pro hac vice as provided in § 41.5(a) or 42.10(c) of this chapter are permitted to represent others before the Office in patent matters.”
This means that representation before the USPTO in patent matters is generally limited to:
- Registered patent attorneys and agents
- Individuals with limited recognition
- Attorneys admitted pro hac vice for specific proceedings
It’s important to note that current USPTO employees are prohibited from representing others in patent matters before the Office due to conflict-of-interest laws and regulations.
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