How do I verify if someone is authorized to conduct business with the USPTO for a patent application filed after September 16, 2012?

To verify if someone is authorized to conduct business with the USPTO for a patent application filed after September 16, 2012, you can follow these steps:

• Check if the person is listed as the applicant or an assignee
• Verify if they are a registered patent practitioner
• Look for a power of attorney or authorization of agent document
• Confirm if they are named as an inventor in the application

The USPTO maintains specific rules about who can correspond regarding patent applications. As stated in MPEP 403.01(a):

For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, … the applicant’s or patent owner’s correspondence address … is the correspondence address of the patent practitioner appointed in a power of attorney or authorization of agent, or if no practitioner is appointed, the correspondence address of the applicant or patent owner.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the USPTO directly for clarification.

To learn more:

• USPTO
• patent application
• authorization
• correspondence