Are USPTO employees allowed to communicate with suspended or excluded practitioners?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. 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 practitioners. Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO define &#8216;suspended or excluded practitioner&#8217;? Can a suspended or excluded practitioner inspect patent applications? Are there any exceptions to the communication ban with suspended or excluded practitioners? What happens if a suspended practitioner is given power to inspect a patent application? Are there any exceptions that allow a suspended or excluded patent practitioner to inspect an application?