How can foreign assignees designate a domestic representative for USPTO correspondence?

Foreign assignees can designate a domestic representative for USPTO correspondence as outlined in 35 U.S.C. 293 and 37 CFR 3.61. The MPEP states:

An assignee of a patent or patent application who is not domiciled in the United States may, by written document signed by such assignee, designate a domestic representative.

Key points for this designation:

  • It should be submitted as a separate paper from any assignment document
  • It should be clearly labeled ‘Designation of Domestic Representative’
  • It will be entered into the record of the appropriate application or patent file
  • It must be signed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33(b)
  • It should state the name and address of a person residing within the United States

This designation allows for service of process or notice of proceedings affecting the patent or rights under the patent to be served on the designated representative.

For more information on domestic representative, visit: domestic representative.

For more information on foreign assignee, visit: foreign assignee.

For more information on USPTO correspondence, visit: USPTO correspondence.

Topics: MPEP 300 - Ownership and Assignment, MPEP 302 - Recording of Assignment Documents, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: domestic representative, foreign assignee, USPTO correspondence