Does assigning a patent application or patent change the fee address?

Question

Accepted Answer

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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, assigning a patent application or patent does not automatically change the fee address. According to MPEP 2540 , which cites 37 CFR 1.363(b) : “An assignment of a patent application or patent does not result in a change of the ‘correspondence address’ or ‘fee address’ for maintenance fee purposes.” This means that if you want to change the fee address after assigning a patent, you must follow the proper procedures to designate a new fee address. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Fee Address for Maintenance Fee Communications MPEP 2540 Correspondence Address for Maintenance Fees Must Be Set During Prosecution MPEP 2540 Single Address for Maintenance Fees Required MPEP 2540 Proper Fee Address Required for Maintenance Fees MPEP 2540 Recommended Customer Number Required for Fee Address MPEP 2540 Permitted Change of Correspondence Address Allowed During Patent Life MPEP 2540 Patentee Responsible for Paying Maintenance Fees Timely MPEP 2540 Fee Address Forms Available Online and In Person MPEP 2540 Fee Address Must Be Established Before Payment MPEP 2540 Recommended Fee Address Must Be Linked to Customer Number MPEP 2540 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a fee address be directed to multiple addresses? How can I designate a fee address for maintenance fee purposes? Is the USPTO required to notify patentees about maintenance fee payments? What is a fee address for maintenance fee purposes? What is the difference between absolute and equitable intervening rights?