Can USPTO employees communicate with a suspended or excluded patent practitioner about an application?
In most cases, no. USPTO employees are prohibited from communicating, either orally or in writing, with a suspended or excluded patent attorney or agent regarding a patent application. The MPEP states: USPTO employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice…
Read MoreAre there any exceptions that allow a suspended or excluded patent practitioner to inspect an application?
Yes, there is one exception. A suspended or excluded patent attorney or agent can inspect an application if they are the inventor or applicant of that particular application. The MPEP clarifies: USPTO employees are forbidden to hold either oral or written communication with an attorney or agent who has been suspended or excluded from practice…
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 More