How can a patent owner designate a new attorney or agent to receive correspondence?
If a patent owner wants a different attorney or agent to receive correspondence, they must file a new power of attorney with the USPTO. The MPEP 2222 states:
“If the patent owner desires that a different attorney or agent receive correspondence, then a new power of attorney must be filed.”
For reexamination proceedings, patent owners can use Form PTO/AIA/81B, which is titled “Reexamination or Supplemental Examination – Patent Owner Power of Attorney or Revocation of Power of Attorney with a New Power of Attorney and Change of Correspondence Address for Reexamination or Supplemental Examination and Patent.”
When submitting a new power of attorney, it’s important to follow the proper mailing procedures outlined in MPEP 2222, using the appropriate Mail Stop depending on whether the patent is under reexamination or not.
For information on establishing an assignee’s right to take action when submitting a power of attorney, refer to MPEP § 324.
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