MPEP § 601.02 — Power of Attorney (Annotated Rules)

§601.02 Power of Attorney

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 601.02, 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.

Power of Attorney

This section addresses Power of Attorney. Contains: 1 requirement, 1 guidance statement, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Power of Attorney Requirements

3 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-601-02-6d53d3f245541071a7128526]
Mailing Address and Contact Info Required for Power of Attorney
Note:
The full mailing address, including ZIP Code, and telephone/fax numbers must be provided in every power of attorney to ensure prompt communication.

The attorney’s or agent’s full mailing address (including ZIP Code) must be given in every power of attorney. The telephone and fax numbers of the attorney or agent should also be included in the power of attorney. The prompt delivery of communications will thereby be facilitated.

Jump to MPEP SourcePower of Attorney RequirementsPower of Attorney
MPEP GuidanceRecommendedAlways
[mpep-601-02-4700b135906d6b942971d7d3]
Power of Attorney Requires Full Mailing Address and Contact Info
Note:
The power of attorney must include the full mailing address, including ZIP code, and telephone and fax numbers of the attorney or agent to facilitate prompt communication.

The attorney’s or agent’s full mailing address (including ZIP Code) must be given in every power of attorney. The telephone and fax numbers of the attorney or agent should also be included in the power of attorney. The prompt delivery of communications will thereby be facilitated.

Jump to MPEP SourcePower of Attorney RequirementsPower of Attorney
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-02-d6f7f91574975d47561d5ae4]
Attorney's Contact Information Must Be Included
Note:
The power of attorney must include the attorney’s full mailing address and contact numbers to facilitate prompt communication.

The attorney’s or agent’s full mailing address (including ZIP Code) must be given in every power of attorney. The telephone and fax numbers of the attorney or agent should also be included in the power of attorney. The prompt delivery of communications will thereby be facilitated.

Jump to MPEP SourcePower of Attorney RequirementsPower of Attorney
Topic

AIA Effective Dates

1 rules
MPEP GuidanceInformativeAlways
[mpep-601-02-9e69e5b74ff4b85bf4f1d4bd]
Appointment Requirement for Power of Attorney
Note:
Describes the requirements for appointing a power of attorney in applications filed before and after September 16, 2012.

See MPEP § 402.02(a) for detailed information and relevant forms pertaining to appointment of a power of attorney in applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. See MPEP § 402.02(b) for detailed information and relevant forms pertaining to appointment of a power of attorney in applications filed before September 16, 2012.

Jump to MPEP SourceAIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Effective DatesMPEP § 402.02(a)
AIA Effective DatesMPEP § 402.02(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