How can a registered practitioner show authorization to conduct an interview?
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.
Registered practitioners can show authorization to conduct an interview in several ways:
- By being an attorney or agent of record with a power of attorney
- By having an authorization to act in a representative capacity
- By completing, signing, and filing an Applicant Initiated Interview Request Form (PTOL-413A)
The MPEP states: Registered practitioners, when acting in a representative capacity, can show authorization to conduct an interview by completing, signing and filing an Applicant Initiated Interview Request Form (PTOL-413A).
This method is particularly convenient as it eliminates the need to file a power of attorney or authorization to act in a representative capacity before having an interview.
Alternatively, practitioners can use Form PTO/SB/84, ‘Authorization to Act in a Representative Capacity,’ available on the USPTO website.
For more information on USPTO Forms, visit: USPTO Forms.