Can an applicant withdraw email communication authorization with the USPTO?

Yes, an applicant can withdraw their authorization for email communication with the USPTO. According to MPEP 502.03:

‘A written authorization may be withdrawn by filing a signed paper clearly identifying the original authorization.’

The USPTO provides a sample form for withdrawing authorization:

‘The authorization given on______, to the USPTO to communicate with any practitioner of record or acting in a representative capacity in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 37 CFR 1.34 concerning any subject matter of this application via video conferencing, instant messaging, or electronic mail is hereby withdrawn.’

To facilitate processing, the USPTO recommends using Form PTO/SB/439, available at www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. This form can be filed via EFS-Web using the document description ‘Internet Communications Authorization Withdrawn’.

To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 500 - Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: EFS-Web, USPTO communication