Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
MPEP 2200 – Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents (1)
For ex parte reexamination requests filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 and subsequent correspondence, the MPEP provides specific addressing instructions:
For mail sent via U.S. Postal Service:
- Mail Stop “Ex Parte Reexam”
- Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
- Commissioner for Patents
- P.O. Box 1450
- Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
For hand-carried or delivery service submissions:
- Customer Service Window
- Randolph Building
- 401 Dulany Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
The MPEP states: “It is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper being filed utilizing a sufficiently large font size that will direct attention to it.”
To learn more:
MPEP 2224 – Correspondence (1)
For ex parte reexamination requests filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 and subsequent correspondence, the MPEP provides specific addressing instructions:
For mail sent via U.S. Postal Service:
- Mail Stop “Ex Parte Reexam”
- Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
- Commissioner for Patents
- P.O. Box 1450
- Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
For hand-carried or delivery service submissions:
- Customer Service Window
- Randolph Building
- 401 Dulany Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
The MPEP states: “It is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper being filed utilizing a sufficiently large font size that will direct attention to it.”
To learn more:
MPEP 400 – Representative of Applicant or Owner (1)
To verify if someone is authorized to conduct business with the USPTO for a patent application filed after September 16, 2012, you can follow these steps:
- Check if the person is listed as the applicant or an assignee
- Verify if they are a registered patent practitioner
- Look for a power of attorney or authorization of agent document
- Confirm if they are named as an inventor in the application
The USPTO maintains specific rules about who can correspond regarding patent applications. As stated in MPEP 403.01(a):
For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, … the applicant’s or patent owner’s correspondence address … is the correspondence address of the patent practitioner appointed in a power of attorney or authorization of agent, or if no practitioner is appointed, the correspondence address of the applicant or patent owner.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the USPTO directly for clarification.
To learn more:
Patent Law (2)
For ex parte reexamination requests filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 and subsequent correspondence, the MPEP provides specific addressing instructions:
For mail sent via U.S. Postal Service:
- Mail Stop “Ex Parte Reexam”
- Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
- Commissioner for Patents
- P.O. Box 1450
- Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
For hand-carried or delivery service submissions:
- Customer Service Window
- Randolph Building
- 401 Dulany Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
The MPEP states: “It is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper being filed utilizing a sufficiently large font size that will direct attention to it.”
To learn more:
To verify if someone is authorized to conduct business with the USPTO for a patent application filed after September 16, 2012, you can follow these steps:
- Check if the person is listed as the applicant or an assignee
- Verify if they are a registered patent practitioner
- Look for a power of attorney or authorization of agent document
- Confirm if they are named as an inventor in the application
The USPTO maintains specific rules about who can correspond regarding patent applications. As stated in MPEP 403.01(a):
For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, … the applicant’s or patent owner’s correspondence address … is the correspondence address of the patent practitioner appointed in a power of attorney or authorization of agent, or if no practitioner is appointed, the correspondence address of the applicant or patent owner.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the USPTO directly for clarification.
To learn more:
Patent Procedure (2)
For ex parte reexamination requests filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 and subsequent correspondence, the MPEP provides specific addressing instructions:
For mail sent via U.S. Postal Service:
- Mail Stop “Ex Parte Reexam”
- Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
- Commissioner for Patents
- P.O. Box 1450
- Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
For hand-carried or delivery service submissions:
- Customer Service Window
- Randolph Building
- 401 Dulany Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
The MPEP states: “It is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper being filed utilizing a sufficiently large font size that will direct attention to it.”
To learn more:
To verify if someone is authorized to conduct business with the USPTO for a patent application filed after September 16, 2012, you can follow these steps:
- Check if the person is listed as the applicant or an assignee
- Verify if they are a registered patent practitioner
- Look for a power of attorney or authorization of agent document
- Confirm if they are named as an inventor in the application
The USPTO maintains specific rules about who can correspond regarding patent applications. As stated in MPEP 403.01(a):
For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, … the applicant’s or patent owner’s correspondence address … is the correspondence address of the patent practitioner appointed in a power of attorney or authorization of agent, or if no practitioner is appointed, the correspondence address of the applicant or patent owner.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the USPTO directly for clarification.
To learn more: