Do I need to withdraw as a practitioner to change the correspondence address?
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, you do not need to withdraw as a practitioner solely to change the correspondence address. The MPEP clearly states:
“It is not required that a practitioner file a request for permission to withdraw pursuant to 37 CFR 1.36 solely for the purpose of changing the correspondence address in a patented file.”
This means that practitioners can update the correspondence address without formally withdrawing from representation. It’s important to keep the address current to ensure receipt of all patent-related communications, including maintenance fee notices.