How can the name of the applicant be corrected or updated in a U.S. National Stage Application?

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 correct or update the name of the applicant in a U.S. National Stage Application, the following steps must be taken:

1. Submit an Application Data Sheet (ADS) under 37 CFR 1.76
2. Specify the correct or updated name of the applicant in the applicant information section (37 CFR 1.76(b)(7))
3. Ensure the ADS complies with 37 CFR 1.76(c)(2)

The MPEP states: “Any request to correct or update the name of the applicant under this section must include an application data sheet under § 1.76 specifying the correct or updated name of the applicant in the applicant information section (§ 1.76(b)(7)) in accordance with § 1.76(c)(2).” (See MPEP 1893.01(b))

For nonprovisional international design applications, a change in the name of the applicant recorded pursuant to Hague Agreement Article 16(1)(ii) will be effective to change the name of the applicant.