Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
Patent Law (2)
The MPEP provides guidance on what constitutes a valid mailing address for inventors in patent applications. According to MPEP 602.08(a):
“The inventor’s mailing address means that address at which he or she customarily receives his or her mail, even if it is not the main mailing address of the inventor. Either the inventor’s home or business address is acceptable as the mailing address. A post office box is also acceptable.”
The mailing address should include the ZIP Code designation. It’s important to note that the address of an attorney with instructions to forward communications is not sufficient, as the purpose is to enable direct communication between the USPTO and the inventor if necessary.
To learn more:
A provisional patent application requires a cover sheet with specific identifying information. According to the MPEP:
“A cover sheet providing identifying information is required for a complete provisional application. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.51(c)(1) the cover sheet must state that it is for a provisional application, it must identify and give the residence of the inventor or inventors, and it must give a title of the invention.”
The cover sheet must include:
- Statement that it is for a provisional application
- Inventor(s) identification and residence
- Title of the invention
- Name and registration number of the attorney or agent (if applicable)
- Docket number (if applicable)
- Correspondence address
- Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development (if applicable)
- Name of the government agency and contract number (if developed under a government contract)
For more details on provisional application requirements, refer to MPEP § 201.04.
To learn more:
Patent Procedure (2)
The MPEP provides guidance on what constitutes a valid mailing address for inventors in patent applications. According to MPEP 602.08(a):
“The inventor’s mailing address means that address at which he or she customarily receives his or her mail, even if it is not the main mailing address of the inventor. Either the inventor’s home or business address is acceptable as the mailing address. A post office box is also acceptable.”
The mailing address should include the ZIP Code designation. It’s important to note that the address of an attorney with instructions to forward communications is not sufficient, as the purpose is to enable direct communication between the USPTO and the inventor if necessary.
To learn more:
A provisional patent application requires a cover sheet with specific identifying information. According to the MPEP:
“A cover sheet providing identifying information is required for a complete provisional application. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.51(c)(1) the cover sheet must state that it is for a provisional application, it must identify and give the residence of the inventor or inventors, and it must give a title of the invention.”
The cover sheet must include:
- Statement that it is for a provisional application
- Inventor(s) identification and residence
- Title of the invention
- Name and registration number of the attorney or agent (if applicable)
- Docket number (if applicable)
- Correspondence address
- Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development (if applicable)
- Name of the government agency and contract number (if developed under a government contract)
For more details on provisional application requirements, refer to MPEP § 201.04.
To learn more: