MPEP § 2752 — Patent Term Extension Applicant (Annotated Rules)

§2752 Patent Term Extension Applicant

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2752, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Patent Term Extension Applicant

This section addresses Patent Term Extension Applicant. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1), 37 CFR 1.730, and 37 CFR 1.32. Contains: 2 requirements, 1 guidance statement, 1 permission, and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Patent Term Extension

4 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2752-98e8d941668812cccb6f3516]
Power of Attorney for Patent Term Extension
Note:
A power of attorney may be limited to prosecuting the application for patent term extension.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Patent Term ExtensionPower of Attorney RequirementsPatent Term
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2752-9f253265ac249cd38c3dd26a]
Limited Power of Attorney Required for Patent Term Extension Application
Note:
A limited power of attorney must be filed specifically for a patent term extension application, not changing the existing power for the underlying patent.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Patent Term ExtensionPatent TermPower of Attorney
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2752-cc3f8fbe1eda262dc843fa47]
Limited Power of Attorney for Patent Term Extension Not Changing Existing Patent Powers
Note:
A limited power of attorney filed specifically for a patent term extension application does not alter existing powers or establish new ones for the underlying patent.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Patent Term ExtensionPower of Attorney RequirementsPatent Term
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2752-2daea5e68028b411747d6740]
Registered Practitioner Acting as Representative
Note:
If a registered practitioner not of record files an application for patent term extension, the Office will consider them to be acting in a representative capacity.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Patent Term ExtensionPatent TermPOA Form Requirements
Topic

Patent Term Basics

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2752-fb1b90885f741b3e9a95a067]
Application for Patent Term Extension Must Be Submitted by Owner or Agent and Comply with §1.740 Requirements
Note:
The application for extending a patent term must be submitted by the owner of record or their agent and must meet all requirements specified in §1.740.

(a) Any application for extension of a patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent and must comply with the requirements of § 1.740.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.740Patent Term BasicsPatent TermSignature Requirements
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2752-faf6b2b381d5225732cfde7c]
Agent Must Be Authorized to Act for Patent Owner
Note:
The Office may require proof that an agent is authorized to act on behalf of the patent owner when submitting an application.

(c) If the application is submitted on behalf of the patent owner by an agent of the patent owner (e.g., a licensee of the patent owner), the application must be signed by a registered practitioner on behalf of the agent. The Office may require proof that the agent is authorized to act on behalf of the patent owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.730Patent Term BasicsPatent TermSignature Requirements
Topic

Documents Requiring Signature

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2752-8ab36ffbce3e24780fa52a84]
Signature Requirement for Patent Owner
Note:
The application must be signed by the patent owner in compliance with §3.73(b) or by a registered practitioner on behalf of the patent owner.
(b) If the application is submitted by the patent owner, the application must be signed either by:
  • (1) The patent owner in compliance with § 3.73(b) of this chapter; or
  • (2) A registered practitioner on behalf of the patent owner.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.730Documents Requiring SignatureSignature RequirementsPatent Term Basics
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2752-efefde7353da24cf1f2f05f1]
Signature Requirement for Agent Submissions
Note:
The application must be signed by a registered practitioner on behalf of the agent if it is submitted by an agent of the patent owner.

(c) If the application is submitted on behalf of the patent owner by an agent of the patent owner (e.g., a licensee of the patent owner), the application must be signed by a registered practitioner on behalf of the agent. The Office may require proof that the agent is authorized to act on behalf of the patent owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.730Documents Requiring SignaturePractitioner Recognition and ConductSignature Requirements
Topic

Practitioner Recognition and Conduct

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2752-79369aa64c3d35820f9cf04b]
Authorization Required for Practitioner Signature on Patent Application
Note:
The Office may require proof that a registered practitioner signing an application is authorized to act on behalf of the patent owner or their agent.

(d) If the application is signed by a registered practitioner, the Office may require proof that the practitioner is authorized to act on behalf of the patent owner or agent of the patent owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.730Practitioner Recognition and ConductSignature RequirementsPatent Term Basics
Topic

PTE Application Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2752-0daa5c47db9a09ce9ea815df]
Application for Patent Term Extension Must Be Filed by Owner or Agent
Note:
The application for extending a patent term must be submitted by the owner of record or their agent. If filed by an assignee, it should reference the recorded assignment.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32PTE Application RequirementsPatent Term ExtensionPatent Term
Topic

Power of Attorney by Assignee

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2752-64ea1820388d62b7bde486aa]
Assignment Recordation Required for Assignee Filing
Note:
If an application for patent term extension is filed by an assignee, the application papers must refer to the recorded assignment's reel and frame numbers.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Power of Attorney by AssigneePOA Form RequirementsPTE Application Requirements
Topic

Correspondence Address Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2752-f11b9d9331c729d68caeccca]
Power of Attorney Required for Registered Practitioner
Note:
A power of attorney from the patent owner to a registered practitioner must be filed if the practitioner is not already on record in the patent.

35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1) requires that the application for extension of the patent term must be submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent. If the application is filed by an assignee(s), the application papers should refer to the reel(s) and frame number(s) of the recorded assignment. A power of attorney from the patent owner to any registered practitioner submitting the patent term extension application papers should be filed, if the registered practitioner is not already of record in the patent (see 37 CFR 1.32 and 37 CFR 1.33). The power of attorney may be filed as a limited power of attorney specifying that the power is limited to prosecution of the application for patent term extension. The USPTO patent electronic filing system includes the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) for limited powers of attorney that are filed specifically for patent term extension applications. A limited power of attorney filed using the document description “Limited POA and/or Change of Address for a Patent Term Extension Application” (document code PTE.POA) will not change an existing power for the underlying patent or establish power for the underlying patent. If an application for patent term extension is filed by a registered practitioner not of record, the Office will consider the registered practitioner to be acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.32Correspondence Address RequirementsPatent Term ExtensionPower of Attorney Requirements
Topic

PTE Calculation

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2752-bc549db344db6d402c4b7cd3]
Requirement for Agency Relationship During Regulatory Review
Note:
The applicant for patent term extension must demonstrate an agency relationship with the marketing applicant during regulatory review to rely on their activities.

If the applicant for patent term extension was not the marketing applicant before the regulatory agency, then there must have been an agency relationship between the patent owner and the marketing applicant during the regulatory review period. To show that such an applicant is authorized to rely upon the activities of the marketing applicant before the Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Agriculture, it is advisable for the applicant for patent term extension to obtain a letter from the marketing applicant specifically authorizing such reliance.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.730PTE CalculationProducts Eligible for PTEPatent Term Extension

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Correspondence Address Requirements
PTE Application Requirements
Patent Term Extension
Power of Attorney by Assignee
35 U.S.C. § 156(d)(1)
Correspondence Address Requirements
PTE Application Requirements
Patent Term Extension
Power of Attorney by Assignee
37 CFR § 1.32
Correspondence Address Requirements
PTE Application Requirements
Patent Term Extension
Power of Attorney by Assignee
37 CFR § 1.33
Correspondence Address Requirements
PTE Application Requirements
Patent Term Extension
Power of Attorney by Assignee
37 CFR § 1.34
Patent Term Basics37 CFR § 1.740
Documents Requiring Signature37 CFR § 3.73(b)

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31