How does the USPTO handle amendments signed by suspended or excluded practitioners?
The USPTO takes a strict approach to amendments signed by practitioners who have been suspended or excluded from practice. According to MPEP 714.01(a): An amendment signed by a practitioner who has been suspended or excluded from practice under the provisions of 37 CFR Part 11 is not entered. In such cases, the file and unentered…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions to the communication ban with suspended or excluded practitioners?
Yes, there is one exception to the communication ban. According to MPEP 105, USPTO employees may communicate with a suspended or excluded practitioner “unless it is one in which said attorney or agent is an inventor or the applicant.” This means that if the suspended or excluded practitioner is listed as an inventor or is…
Read MoreCan a suspended or excluded patent attorney or agent inspect patent applications?
No, a patent attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice by the USPTO cannot inspect patent applications, unless they are an inventor or applicant on that particular application. The MPEP states: USPTO employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a suspended and an excluded patent practitioner?
While both suspended and excluded patent practitioners are prohibited from practicing before the USPTO, there are differences in the nature and duration of the prohibition: Suspended practitioner: Temporarily prohibited from practicing before the USPTO for a specific period. Excluded practitioner: Permanently prohibited from practicing before the USPTO, unless later reinstated. The MPEP § 407 uses…
Read MoreCan a suspended or excluded practitioner inspect patent applications?
No, a suspended or excluded practitioner cannot inspect patent applications. According to MPEP 105, “Power to inspect given to such an attorney or agent will not be accepted.” This means that the USPTO will not allow suspended or excluded practitioners to access or review patent applications, even if they are given permission by the applicant.…
Read MoreAre USPTO employees allowed to communicate with suspended or excluded practitioners?
Generally, no. MPEP 105 states: “U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice by the USPTO regarding an application.” This prohibition applies to all forms of communication about patent applications with suspended or excluded…
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