What are the requirements for a non-registered individual to obtain limited recognition?

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.

For a non-registered individual to obtain limited recognition, several requirements must be met as outlined in MPEP 402.01:

• The individual must be an attorney who is not registered to practice before the Office.
• They must show that they are acting only as an attorney for a particular named applicant.
• The attorney must be authorized to practice before a court of general jurisdiction of the state where they reside or are employed.
• The OED Director must find that the attorney possesses the scientific and technical qualifications necessary to render valuable service to the applicant.
• The attorney must apply for and be granted limited recognition by the OED Director.

It’s important to note that limited recognition is granted for a specific purpose and duration, and can be withdrawn by the OED Director at any time.