What are “uncontested decisions” involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline at the USPTO?
The Office of General Law at the USPTO is responsible for deciding certain uncontested decisions involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). As stated in MPEP 1002.02(k)(2): “3. Certain uncontested decisions involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline.” Uncontested decisions typically refer to cases where: A practitioner does not dispute the OED’s findings or…
Read MoreWhat types of petitions are decided by the Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline?
The Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline decides on several types of petitions related to patent practitioner enrollment and disciplinary matters. According to MPEP 1002.02(m), these include: Petitions regarding enrollment or recognition under 37 CFR 11.2(c) Requests for limited recognition under 37 CFR 11.9 Petitions for reinstatement under 37 CFR 11.60 Petitions to…
Read MoreWhat role does the General Counsel play in USPTO disciplinary proceedings?
The General Counsel plays a significant role in USPTO disciplinary proceedings, particularly in matters involving the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). According to MPEP 1002.02(k)(1), the General Counsel is responsible for deciding: Petitions under 37 CFR 11.2(d) from final decisions of the OED Director regarding enrollment or recognition Petitions under 37 CFR 11.2(e) from…
Read MoreWhat is limited recognition in patent matters?
Limited recognition in patent matters is a provision that allows certain individuals who are not registered patent practitioners to prosecute specific patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). According to 37 CFR 11.9(a): Any individual not registered under § 11.6 may, upon a showing of circumstances that render it necessary or…
Read MoreHow can I find a registered patent attorney or agent?
The USPTO provides several ways to find a registered patent attorney or agent, as mentioned in MPEP 401: Visit the USPTO website: www.uspto.gov/FindPatentAttorney for a searchable listing of registered practitioners. Write to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) to request a list of registered patent practitioners in your area: Mail Stop OED, Director of…
Read MoreCan the USPTO help me choose a patent attorney?
No, the USPTO cannot assist in selecting a patent practitioner. According to MPEP 401, “The Office cannot aid in the selection of a patent practitioner.” However, the USPTO does provide resources for finding registered patent attorneys and agents: A listing is available at www.uspto.gov/FindPatentAttorney Applicants can request a list of registered practitioners in their area…
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