Can a Customer Number be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 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. No, a Customer Number cannot be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application during the international phase. This is an important distinction from national applications. Specifically: Appointment of an agent cannot be made by reference to a Customer Number in the international phase. Revocation of an agent’s appointment cannot be done by reference to a Customer Number in the international phase. MPEP 1808 explicitly states: “Also, as an agent may not be appointed by Customer Number Practice in the international phase (see MPEP § 1807), an appointment of an agent may not be revoked by reference to a Customer Number.” This means that applicants and practitioners must use other methods, such as powers of attorney or specific revocation documents, to appoint or revoke agents in PCT applications during the international phase. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Withdrawal of Attorney or Agent in National Stage MPEP 1808 Attorney or Agent May Represent Applicants Before International Authority MPEP 1808 Permitted Revocation of Agent's Sub-Agent Appointment Prohibited MPEP 1808 Prohibited Powers of Attorney Must Be Submitted Until Search Report MPEP 1808 Recommended Revocation of Sub-Agent Appointment MPEP 1808 Permitted Revocation of Sub-Agent Appointment MPEP 1808 Permitted Revocation of Agent or Representative Appointment MPEP 1808 Permitted Attorney or Agent Must Represent International Applicants MPEP 1808 Permitted Revocation of Agent or Common Representative Appointment MPEP 1808 Required Revocation of Earlier Appointment MPEP 1808 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the appointment of a common representative affec...