How can a patent owner change the correspondence address for a patent under reexamination?
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.
To change the correspondence address for a patent under reexamination, the patent owner should submit a request to the USPTO. The MPEP 2222 provides specific instructions for such submissions:
“Where a request for ex parte reexamination has been filed:”
Mail Stop “Ex Parte Reexam”
Attn: Central Reexamination Unit
Commissioner for Patents
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
For inter partes reexamination requests, use “Mail Stop Inter Partes Reexam” instead.
The MPEP also recommends: “It is strongly recommended that the Mail Stop information be placed in a prominent position on the first page of each paper being filed utilizing a sufficiently large font size that will direct attention to it.”
To facilitate the process, patent owners can use Form PTO/AIA/81B for changing the correspondence address or power of attorney in reexamination proceedings.