What is the effect of appointing a new agent or common representative in a PCT application?
Appointing a new agent or common representative in a PCT application generally has the following effects: Appointing a new agent automatically revokes any earlier appointment of an agent, unless otherwise indicated. Appointing a new common representative automatically revokes any earlier appointment of a common representative, unless otherwise indicated. This is specified in MPEP 1808, which…
Read MoreHow does the appointment of an agent or common representative affect earlier appointments?
The appointment of an agent, attorney, or common representative in an international patent application can have an impact on earlier appointments. According to MPEP 1807, which cites 37 CFR 1.455(a): “The appointment of an attorney or agent, or of a common representative, revokes any earlier appointment unless otherwise indicated“ This means that when a new…
Read MoreCan a Customer Number be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application?
No, a Customer Number cannot be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application during the international phase. This is an important distinction from national applications. Specifically: Appointment of an agent cannot be made by reference to a Customer Number in the international phase. Revocation of an agent’s appointment cannot be done…
Read MoreCan I change the correspondence address or appoint/change an agent through Private PAIR?
No, you cannot change the correspondence address or appoint/change an agent directly through Private PAIR, even if you have access to view the status of your international application. As stated in MPEP 1809: “The ability to view on private PAIR the status of the international application does not allow an applicant to change the correspondence…
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