What is a Customer Number and how is it used in patent applications?
A Customer Number is a USPTO-assigned number that can be used to: Designate the correspondence address for a patent application or patent Designate the fee address for a patent Submit a list of practitioners with power of attorney According to MPEP 403: “A Customer Number may be used to designate the address associated with the…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a correspondence address and a fee address in USPTO filings?
What is the difference between a correspondence address and a fee address in USPTO filings? In USPTO filings, the correspondence address and fee address serve different purposes: Correspondence Address: Where the USPTO sends all official communications regarding a patent application or patent. Fee Address: Where the USPTO sends maintenance fee reminders for granted patents. The…
Read MoreCan multiple correspondence addresses be used for a single patent application?
Generally, the USPTO maintains only one correspondence address for each patent application. As stated in MPEP 403: ‘The Office will direct all notices, official letters, and other communications relating to the application to a single correspondence address.’ However, there are exceptions: Powers of attorney to different practitioners may be present in an application, but only…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle changes in power of attorney and correspondence address?
The USPTO has specific procedures for handling changes in power of attorney and correspondence address. According to MPEP 403: ‘A new power of attorney or change of correspondence address filed in a patent application or patent does not change the correspondence address for any other application or patent.’ Key points to remember: Each application or…
Read MoreWhen can an attorney or agent not of record change the correspondence address?
The MPEP provides specific guidance on when an attorney or agent not of record can change the correspondence address. It states: See MPEP § 402.03 for information regarding when a change of correspondence address or a document granting access (i.e., a power to inspect) may be signed by an attorney or agent who is not…
Read MoreWhat forms are used for Customer Number practice?
The USPTO provides several forms for Customer Number practice: PTO/SB/125 – Request for Customer Number PTO/SB/124 – Request for Customer Number Data Change PTO/AIA/122 or PTO/SB/122 – Change of Correspondence Address, Application PTO/AIA/123 or PTO/SB/123 – Change of Correspondence Address, Patent According to MPEP 403: “The following forms are suggested for use with the Customer…
Read MoreWhat is the Customer Number practice in patent applications?
The Customer Number practice allows applicants to: Designate the correspondence address of a patent application or patent Designate the fee address of a patent Submit a list of practitioners who have power of attorney Using a Customer Number allows applicants to easily change the correspondence address, fee address, or list of practitioners for multiple applications…
Read MoreHow is correspondence handled when two patent practitioners are appointed for the same application?
When two patent practitioners are appointed for the same application: If appointed simultaneously, the applicant should specify which address to use for correspondence. If a second practitioner is added later, correspondence will be sent to the most recently provided correspondence address. A new power of attorney appointing only the second practitioner effectively revokes the power…
Read MoreWhat happens if a patent application is filed without a correspondence address?
If a patent application is filed without a correspondence address: The USPTO needs a correspondence address to notify the applicant of any missing parts or requirements. If no address is provided, the Office may use the mailing address of the first named inventor as the correspondence address. Without a correspondence address, the applicant is considered…
Read MoreWhat is the date of receipt stamp for USPTO correspondence?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) stamps correspondence received with the date of receipt, known as the ‘Office Date’ stamp. This applies to papers and fees received through various methods: Mail (except Priority Mail Express®) Facsimile EFS-Web Hand-carried to the Customer Service Window As stated in the MPEP: The United States Patent and…
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