How is a revocation of power of attorney handled after a patent has been issued?
According to MPEP 2560, “a revocation or withdrawal of an attorney filed after issuance of a patent is not normally processed.” This implies that while it’s possible to submit a revocation of power of attorney at any time, the USPTO typically does not process such revocations after a patent has been granted. The reason for…
Read MoreCan a power of attorney be revoked after the patent grant?
Yes, a power of attorney can be revoked after the patent grant. The process for revoking a power of attorney post-grant is similar to pre-grant revocation: The patent owner must file a revocation with the USPTO A new power of attorney should be filed if a new attorney is appointed The revocation should include the…
Read MoreWhat happens if a power of attorney is revoked in a patent application?
When a power of attorney is revoked in a patent application: The applicant must appoint a new attorney or file a new power of attorney. If no new appointment is made, the Office will send correspondence directly to the applicant at their address of record. The Office will notify the attorney of record that their…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I receive a Notice of Non-Acceptance of Patent Maintenance Fee?
If you receive a Notice of Non-Acceptance of Patent Maintenance Fee (PTO-2142) from the USPTO, it’s crucial to take prompt action. According to MPEP 2531: “Reply to the notice is required prior to expiration of the grace period provided by 37 CFR 1.362(e) in order to avoid the expiration of the patent.” Here are the…
Read MoreWhat should I do if there’s a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO?
If you encounter a discrepancy in the maintenance fee status information provided by the USPTO, take the following steps: Double-check your records: Ensure that your own payment records are accurate and up-to-date. Contact the USPTO Office of Finance: Call 571-272-6500 to speak with a representative who can verify the information in their system. Provide evidence:…
Read MoreWhat information do I need to check a patent’s maintenance fee status online?
To check a patent’s maintenance fee status online, you need two pieces of information: The patent number The corresponding application number The MPEP states: “Maintenance fee status information for a patent of interest can be obtained over the internet by entering the patent number and the corresponding application number in the appropriate spaces on the…
Read MoreWhat information is required when submitting a maintenance fee payment?
When submitting a maintenance fee payment, certain identifying information is required. According to MPEP 2515: The patent number The application number of the United States application for the patent Additionally, the following information should be provided: The fee year (3 1/2, 7 1/2, or 11 1/2 year fee) The amount of the maintenance fee and…
Read MoreHow can I request a customer number for patent-related purposes?
To request a customer number for patent-related purposes, you can use Form PTO/SB/125, titled “Request for Customer Number.” This form is specifically mentioned in MPEP 2595, which states: “Form PTO/SB/125 (“Request for Customer Number”) may be used to request a customer number.” A customer number is useful for various patent-related communications with the USPTO, including…
Read MoreHow do reissue patents affect maintenance fee requirements?
How do reissue patents affect maintenance fee requirements? Reissue patents have specific rules regarding maintenance fee requirements. According to MPEP 2504: “Maintenance fees are required to be paid on all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980, except for plant patents based on applications filed before June 8, 1995. This includes…
Read MoreHow are maintenance fees for reissue patents handled?
Maintenance fees for reissue patents follow the same schedule as the original utility patent. According to MPEP 2506: “Maintenance fees for all reissue patents are due based upon the schedule established for the original utility patent.” It’s important to note that reexamination proceedings do not affect the maintenance fee schedule: “The filing of a request…
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