How do I update my address for patent correspondence with the USPTO?
How do I update my address for patent correspondence with the USPTO? To update your address for patent correspondence with the USPTO: Use the Change of Correspondence Address Form PTO/AIA/122 for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012. Use Form PTO/SB/122 for applications filed before September 16, 2012. Submit the form to the USPTO’s…
Read MoreWhat is a fee address and how do I establish one for maintenance fee purposes?
A fee address is a designated address for correspondence related to maintenance fees. To establish a fee address for maintenance fee purposes, you should use the “‘Fee Address’ Indication Form,” Form PTO/SB/47. MPEP 2595 states: “The following forms are suggested when submitting a maintenance fee or establishing a fee address for maintenance fee purposes. […]…
Read MoreCan I designate a separate fee address for maintenance fee communications?
Yes, you can designate a separate fee address specifically for maintenance fee communications. This is particularly useful if you want to direct maintenance fee notices to a different address than other patent correspondence. The MPEP states: “Practitioners of record when the patent issues who do not wish to receive correspondence relating to maintenance fees must…
Read MoreWhat happens if the USPTO can’t reach a patent owner at their address of record?
What happens if the USPTO can’t reach a patent owner at their address of record? If the USPTO cannot reach a patent owner at their address of record, it may have serious consequences for the patent. According to MPEP 2805: “It is important for the Office to have a correct address for the patent owner.…
Read MoreWhat is the Customer Number practice for USPTO communications?
The Customer Number practice is a system used by the USPTO to streamline the management of correspondence addresses for patent applicants. The MPEP mentions this practice as an exception to individual address changes: “…except as provided for under Customer Number practice — see MPEP § 403“ With a Customer Number, you can change the correspondence…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle unnecessary duplicate copies of correspondence?
The USPTO has a specific policy for handling unnecessary duplicate copies of correspondence. According to MPEP 502.04: The Office may dispose of duplicate copies of correspondence in the file of an application, patent, or other proceeding. Furthermore, the MPEP states: When the Office does not require duplicate copies of a paper, the filing of multiple…
Read MoreWhat are the specific facsimile numbers for different USPTO offices?
The USPTO has designated specific facsimile numbers for various offices to handle different types of correspondence. According to MPEP 502.01, some key facsimile numbers include: Central Facsimile Number (for most patent-related correspondence): (571) 273-8300 International Patent Legal Administration (for responses to Decisions on Petition): (571) 273-0459 Office of Data Management (for issue fee payments and…
Read MoreWhat are the two types of signatures accepted for patent correspondence?
The USPTO accepts two types of signatures for patent correspondence: Handwritten signature: An original signature personally signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent. S-signature: A signature inserted between forward slash marks, which can include electronic or mechanical signatures. As stated in 37 CFR 1.4(d): “Correspondence filed in the Office, which requires a person’s signature,…
Read MoreWhat is the general mailing address for patent-related correspondence?
The general mailing address for patent-related correspondence is: Commissioner for PatentsP.O. Box 1450Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 This address should be used for patent applications, replies to notices of informality, requests for extension of time, notices of appeal, and other patent-related matters processed by organizations reporting to the Commissioner for Patents. As stated in the MPEP: Correspondence…
Read MoreWhat is the USPTO policy on filing duplicate copies of correspondence?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) generally discourages the filing of duplicate copies of correspondence in patent applications, patents, or other proceedings. According to MPEP 502.04: The filing of duplicate copies of correspondence in the file of an application, patent, or other proceeding should be avoided, except in situations in which the Office…
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