What is the role of the publication of the international registration in determining the correspondence address?

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.

The publication of the international registration plays a significant role in determining the correspondence address for a nonprovisional international design application. According to 37 CFR 1.1066(a), if the correspondence address is not established through other means, the USPTO will use:

1. The address of the applicant’s representative identified in the publication of the international registration, or
2. The address of the applicant identified in the publication of the international registration

This approach ensures that the USPTO has a reliable means of communication even if no specific correspondence address has been provided under 37 CFR 1.1042 or changed under 37 CFR 1.33(a).