How can a patent owner change the correspondence address after a patent issues?

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.

According to MPEP 2622, a patent owner can change the correspondence address after a patent issues. The process depends on whether a reexamination proceeding is pending:

1. If a reexamination proceeding is pending, address the request to:

Mail Stop “Inter Partes Reexam”
Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

2. If no reexamination is pending and the patent is in storage, address the request to:

Mail Stop Document Services
Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

The MPEP strongly recommends placing the Mail Stop information prominently on the first page of the submission. If the patent owner wants a different attorney or agent to receive correspondence, a new power of attorney must be filed.

For specific forms, the MPEP mentions Form PTO/AIA/81B for patent owners to change power of attorney or correspondence address in reexamination or supplemental examination proceedings.