MPEP § 403.01(a) — Correspondence in Applications Filed On or After September 16, 2012 (Annotated Rules)

§403.01(a) Correspondence in Applications Filed On or After September 16, 2012

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 403.01(a), 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.

Correspondence in Applications Filed On or After September 16, 2012

This section addresses Correspondence in Applications Filed On or After September 16, 2012. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii), 37 CFR 1.33, and 37 CFR 1.33(a). Contains: 4 requirements, 2 prohibitions, 3 permissions, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Correspondence Address Requirements

16 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-396217c3faeeaf70a29f388a]
Correspondence Address and Telephone Number Required for Filing
Note:
An applicant must provide a correspondence address and a daytime telephone number when filing an application.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-eae1f0827fcecb5afc6bb081]
Requirement for Clearly Identifiable Correspondence Address in Application Filing
Note:
When filing an application, a clearly identifiable correspondence address must be provided either on the application data sheet or elsewhere in any submitted paper.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-aa43af100cc93913878f99f4]
Requirement for Correspondence Address
Note:
The Office will direct all communications to the specified correspondence address, which must be clearly identified in application filings.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-17c427dee91e3945f471dabf]
Daytime Telephone Number Requirement for Correspondence Address
Note:
A daytime telephone number must be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and can be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-68b962afc0720dc16ff5df47]
Change of Correspondence Address Permitted
Note:
Patent applicants may change their correspondence address as long as it is done by authorized parties.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-55250fb36faa2fb8e32ff224]
Patent Practitioner Can Change Address Before Power of Attorney
Note:
A patent practitioner named in the application can change the correspondence address before appointing a power of attorney.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficePower of Attorney Requirements
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-cfb0a033d625d5b67f268729]
Changeable During Patent Life
Note:
A correspondence address can be updated at any time during the patent's enforceable life for communication purposes, unless a separate fee address is specified.

(d) A “correspondence address” or change thereto may be filed with the Patent and Trademark Office during the enforceable life of the patent. The “correspondence address” will be used in any correspondence relating to maintenance fees unless a separate “fee address” has been specified. See § 1.363 for “fee address” used solely for maintenance fee purposes.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.363Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-b62743ce2b34d77e7dd82b60]
Correspondence Address for Maintenance Fees
Note:
The correspondence address will be used for maintenance fee communications unless a separate fee address is specified.

(d) A “correspondence address” or change thereto may be filed with the Patent and Trademark Office during the enforceable life of the patent. The “correspondence address” will be used in any correspondence relating to maintenance fees unless a separate “fee address” has been specified. See § 1.363 for “fee address” used solely for maintenance fee purposes.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.363Correspondence Address RequirementsPost-Issuance & Maintenance FeesCorrespondence with the Office
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-ba27dce5df46bf45a86506e4]
Change of Address for Patent Practitioners Not Updated in Roster
Note:
A change of address filed with a patent application or patent does not update the address for a patent practitioner listed in the roster of attorneys and agents.

(e) A change of address filed in a patent application or patent does not change the address for a patent practitioner in the roster of patent attorneys and agents. See § 11.11 of this title.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 11.11Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence AddressPractitioner Recognition and Conduct
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-701e59da722e0c28b64993de]
Application Data Sheet Required for Continuing Application Address Change
Note:
An application data sheet must be submitted to identify the new correspondence address for a continuing application when it differs from the prior application's address.

(f) Where application papers from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the correspondence address was changed during the prosecution of the prior application, an application data sheet or separate paper identifying the correspondence address to be used for the continuing application must be submitted. Otherwise, the Office may not recognize the change of correspondence address effected during the prosecution of the prior application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-227a2163e9fc6feb1844064b]
Change of Correspondence Address After Issuance Requires Notification to Patentee
Note:
A patent practitioner can change the correspondence address after a patent is issued, but must notify the patentee or owner.

(g) A patent practitioner acting in a representative capacity whose correspondence address is the correspondence address of record in an application may change the correspondence address after the patent has issued, provided that the change of correspondence address is accompanied by a statement that notice has been given to the patentee or owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-4a23bd553704f08d840d5450]
Correspondence Address Selection for Patent Applications
Note:
The Office will select one of the specified addresses as the correspondence address, prioritizing those associated with a Customer Number over typed addresses if multiple are provided.

37 CFR 1.33(a) specifies that if an applicant provides more than one correspondence address (in a single paper or in different papers), the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the correspondence address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. However, the hierarchy provided in 37 CFR 1.76(d) for inconsistencies between an application data sheet and other documents will still apply.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(a)Correspondence Address RequirementsCustomer Number PracticeCorrespondence with the Office
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-605fbb9ef16e3d934cd65eed]
Patent Practitioner Can Change Correspondence Address
Note:
A patent practitioner of record or the applicant can change the correspondence address for a patent application before any power of attorney is appointed.

37 CFR 1.33(a) also provides that the correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in 37 CFR 1.33(b)(1) (a patent practitioner of record) or 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3) (the applicant under 37 CFR 1.42)). Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under 37 CFR 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34. While a practitioner acting in a representative capacity cannot change the correspondence address in an application after a power of attorney has been appointed, 37 CFR 1.33(g) provides that a practitioner acting in a representative capacity whose correspondence address is the correspondence address of record in an application may change the correspondence address after the patent has issued, provided that the change of correspondence address is accompanied by a statement that notice has been given to the patentee or owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(a)Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficePower of Attorney by Assignee
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-c314cdd715e5841f4cd26ef0]
Patent Practitioner Can Change Correspondence Address Before Power of Attorney
Note:
A patent practitioner named in the application can change the correspondence address before appointing a power of attorney.

37 CFR 1.33(a) also provides that the correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in 37 CFR 1.33(b)(1) (a patent practitioner of record) or 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3) (the applicant under 37 CFR 1.42)). Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under 37 CFR 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34. While a practitioner acting in a representative capacity cannot change the correspondence address in an application after a power of attorney has been appointed, 37 CFR 1.33(g) provides that a practitioner acting in a representative capacity whose correspondence address is the correspondence address of record in an application may change the correspondence address after the patent has issued, provided that the change of correspondence address is accompanied by a statement that notice has been given to the patentee or owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(a)Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-d27d0a0ba9ac5ba376148d20]
Change of Correspondence Address After Patent Issuance
Note:
A practitioner can change the correspondence address after a patent is issued if they are listed as the record's correspondence address and notify the patentee or owner.

37 CFR 1.33(a) also provides that the correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in 37 CFR 1.33(b)(1) (a patent practitioner of record) or 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3) (the applicant under 37 CFR 1.42)). Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under 37 CFR 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34. While a practitioner acting in a representative capacity cannot change the correspondence address in an application after a power of attorney has been appointed, 37 CFR 1.33(g) provides that a practitioner acting in a representative capacity whose correspondence address is the correspondence address of record in an application may change the correspondence address after the patent has issued, provided that the change of correspondence address is accompanied by a statement that notice has been given to the patentee or owner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(a)Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-3ff0c6bb14a8acfec46b0d9f]
Application Data Sheet Required for Changing Address
Note:
An application data sheet must be submitted to identify the new correspondence address for a continuing application when it differs from the prior application's address.

Where application papers (e.g., the inventor’s oath or declaration) from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the correspondence address was changed during the prosecution of the prior application, an application data sheet or separate paper identifying the correspondence address to be used for the continuing application must be submitted. See 37 CFR 1.33(f). Otherwise, the Office may not recognize the change of correspondence address effected during the prosecution of the prior application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(f)Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address
Topic

Correspondence Signature Requirements

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-6cffd34bfa067748706e9079]
Signatures Required for Amendments and Other Papers
Note:
All amendments and other papers filed in an application must be signed by a patent practitioner of record, a non-record practitioner acting under §1.34, or the applicant.
(b) Amendments and other papers. Amendments and other papers, except for written assertions pursuant to § 1.27(c)(2)(iii) or (c)(2)(iv), filed in the application must be signed by:
  • (1) A patent practitioner of record;
  • (2) A patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34; or
  • (3) The applicant (§ 1.42). Unless otherwise specified, all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii)Correspondence Signature RequirementsDocuments Requiring SignatureSignature Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-294d3a7dee708bc35e1f1be9]
Requirement for Juristic Entity Papers to be Signed by Patent Practitioner
Note:
All papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner unless otherwise specified.

(b) Amendments and other papers. Amendments and other papers, except for written assertions pursuant to § 1.27(c)(2)(iii) or (c)(2)(iv), filed in the application must be signed by:

Unless otherwise specified, all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii)Correspondence Signature RequirementsJuristic Entity SignatureDocuments Requiring Signature
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-0e3a319bf1b6a7941ba175ff]
Communications to Patent Owners Must Use File Address
Note:
All notices, official letters, and other communications for patent owners in reexamination or supplemental examination proceedings must be directed to the correspondence address in the patent file.

(c) All notices, official letters, and other communications for the patent owner or owners in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding will be directed to the correspondence address in the patent file. Amendments filed in a reexamination proceeding, and other papers filed in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding, on behalf of the patent owner must be signed by the patent owner, or if there is more than one owner by all the owners, or by an attorney or agent of record in the patent file, or by a registered attorney or agent not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34. Double correspondence with the patent owner or owners and the patent owner’s attorney or agent, or with more than one attorney or agent, will not be undertaken.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Correspondence Signature RequirementsCorrespondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the Office
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-ac97c681efa98de41b630c33]
Signatures Required for Amendments and Other Papers
Note:
Patent owner or their authorized representative must sign all amendments and other papers filed in reexamination or supplemental examination proceedings.

(c) All notices, official letters, and other communications for the patent owner or owners in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding will be directed to the correspondence address in the patent file. Amendments filed in a reexamination proceeding, and other papers filed in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding, on behalf of the patent owner must be signed by the patent owner, or if there is more than one owner by all the owners, or by an attorney or agent of record in the patent file, or by a registered attorney or agent not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34. Double correspondence with the patent owner or owners and the patent owner’s attorney or agent, or with more than one attorney or agent, will not be undertaken.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Correspondence Signature RequirementsDocuments Requiring SignatureSignature Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-509d7c77950dc64b93362bee]
No Double Correspondence With Patent Owner
Note:
Communications with the patent owner or their attorney must not be directed to more than one person.

(c) All notices, official letters, and other communications for the patent owner or owners in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding will be directed to the correspondence address in the patent file. Amendments filed in a reexamination proceeding, and other papers filed in a reexamination or supplemental examination proceeding, on behalf of the patent owner must be signed by the patent owner, or if there is more than one owner by all the owners, or by an attorney or agent of record in the patent file, or by a registered attorney or agent not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34. Double correspondence with the patent owner or owners and the patent owner’s attorney or agent, or with more than one attorney or agent, will not be undertaken.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Correspondence Signature RequirementsCorrespondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-d2bae68e2b318a86417d88aa]
Signatures Required for Filing Papers
Note:
All papers filed in an application must be signed by a patent practitioner, a record practitioner acting as representative, or the applicant.

Amendments and other papers, except for written assertions pursuant to 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii) or (c)(2)(iv), filed in the application must be signed by: (1) A patent practitioner of record; (2) a patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34; or (3) the applicant (37 CFR 1.42). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3), unless otherwise specified (e.g., terminal disclaimers and 37 CFR 3.73(c) statements; see MPEP § 325), all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner, as 37 CFR 1.31 provides that a juristic entity may prosecute a patent application only through a patent practitioner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii)Correspondence Signature RequirementsAssignee as Applicant SignaturePower of Attorney by Assignee
Topic

Correspondence with the Office

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-c8404b399464cf57db9b8328]
Electronic Acknowledgment for USPTO Filing
Note:
For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence with the OfficeCorrespondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence Address
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-150fcd050f97e8d2976774c9]
Office Will Not Engage in Double Correspondence Except as Directed by Director
Note:
The Office will generally not communicate with both an applicant and a patent practitioner simultaneously, unless the Director deems it necessary.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Correspondence with the OfficePower of Attorney by AssigneeCorrespondence Address Requirements
Topic

Separate Paper Requirement

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-0a71c2a80a2803580ee880a1]
Application Data Sheet Required for Changed Address
Note:
An application data sheet must be submitted to identify the new correspondence address when papers from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the address was changed during prosecution.

(f) Where application papers from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the correspondence address was changed during the prosecution of the prior application, an application data sheet or separate paper identifying the correspondence address to be used for the continuing application must be submitted. Otherwise, the Office may not recognize the change of correspondence address effected during the prosecution of the prior application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33Separate Paper RequirementCorrespondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the Office
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-528be0fd63cbdace3672b015]
Correspondence Address Requirement for Continuing Applications
Note:
An application data sheet or separate paper must identify the correspondence address used in a continuing application if it was changed during prosecution of the prior application.

Where application papers (e.g., the inventor’s oath or declaration) from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the correspondence address was changed during the prosecution of the prior application, an application data sheet or separate paper identifying the correspondence address to be used for the continuing application must be submitted. See 37 CFR 1.33(f). Otherwise, the Office may not recognize the change of correspondence address effected during the prosecution of the prior application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.33(f)Separate Paper RequirementCorrespondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the Office
Topic

Identifying the Application

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-aa9ebe91542260a8346233e7]
Correspondence Address if Not Specified
Note:
If no correspondence address is provided, the Office will use the first named inventor's mailing address as the correspondence address.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76Identifying the ApplicationCorrespondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence with the Office
Topic

POA via Customer Number

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-72309e31b6eb64e77f6dcab6]
Office Selects Correspondence Address from Specified Addresses
Note:
The Office will choose one of the specified correspondence addresses for communication, prioritizing those associated with a Customer Number over typed addresses.

(a) Correspondence address and daytime telephone number. When filing an application, a correspondence address must be set forth in either an application data sheet (§ 1.76), or elsewhere, in a clearly identifiable manner, in any paper submitted with an application filing. If no correspondence address is specified, the Office may treat the mailing address of the first named inventor (if provided, see §§ 1.76(b)(1) and 1.63(b)(2)) as the correspondence address. The Office will direct, or otherwise make available, all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to the person associated with the correspondence address. For correspondence submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, however, an electronic acknowledgment receipt will be sent to the submitter. The Office will generally not engage in double correspondence with an applicant and a patent practitioner, or with more than one patent practitioner except as deemed necessary by the Director. If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address. For the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed, a daytime telephone number should be supplied in a clearly identifiable manner and may be changed by any party who may change the correspondence address. The correspondence address may be changed by the parties set forth in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section. Prior to the appointment of any power of attorney under § 1.32(b), the correspondence address may also be changed by any patent practitioner named in the application transmittal papers who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.76POA via Customer NumberCorrespondence Address RequirementsCustomer Number Practice
Topic

Assignee as Applicant Signature

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-4982062d64624f7f88a80204]
Amendments and Other Papers Must Be Signed by Applicant
Note:
All amendments and other papers filed in an application must be signed by the applicant, unless otherwise specified.

(b) Amendments and other papers. Amendments and other papers, except for written assertions pursuant to § 1.27(c)(2)(iii) or (c)(2)(iv), filed in the application must be signed by:

(3) The applicant (§ 1.42).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii)Assignee as Applicant SignatureCorrespondence Signature RequirementsCorrespondence Address Requirements
Topic

Establishing Ownership

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-403-01-a-f6c7c44a6787d4822f065aad]
Juristic Entity Papers Must Be Signed by Patent Practitioner
Note:
All papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner unless otherwise specified.

Amendments and other papers, except for written assertions pursuant to 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii) or (c)(2)(iv), filed in the application must be signed by: (1) A patent practitioner of record; (2) a patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34; or (3) the applicant (37 CFR 1.42). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3), unless otherwise specified (e.g., terminal disclaimers and 37 CFR 3.73(c) statements; see MPEP § 325), all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner, as 37 CFR 1.31 provides that a juristic entity may prosecute a patent application only through a patent practitioner.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.27(c)(2)(iii)Establishing OwnershipCorrespondence Signature RequirementsJuristic Entity Signature

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
37 CFR § 1.27(c)(2)(iii)
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
37 CFR § 1.31
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence with the Office
Identifying the Application
POA via Customer Number
37 CFR § 1.32(b)
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 1.33(a)
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 1.33(b)(1)
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
37 CFR § 1.33(b)(3)
Correspondence Address Requirements
Separate Paper Requirement
37 CFR § 1.33(f)
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 1.33(g)
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Correspondence with the Office
Establishing Ownership
Identifying the Application
POA via Customer Number
37 CFR § 1.34
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 1.363
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
37 CFR § 1.42
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence with the Office
Identifying the Application
POA via Customer Number
37 CFR § 1.76
Correspondence Address Requirements
Correspondence with the Office
Identifying the Application
POA via Customer Number
37 CFR § 1.76(b)(1)
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 1.76(d)
Correspondence Address Requirements37 CFR § 11.11
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
37 CFR § 3.73(c)
Correspondence Signature Requirements
Establishing Ownership
MPEP § 325

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