How does a power of attorney by the assignee affect previous powers of attorney in pre-AIA applications?

In pre-AIA patent applications (filed before September 16, 2012), a power of attorney given by the assignee of the entire interest has significant implications for previous powers of attorney. As stated in the MPEP:

A power of attorney by the assignee of the entire interest revokes all powers given by the applicant and prior assignees if the assignee establishes their right to take action as provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 3.71 and pre-AIA 37 CFR 3.73(b).

This means that when the assignee of the entire interest files a new power of attorney, it effectively cancels all previous powers of attorney given by the applicant or any prior assignees. However, the assignee must properly establish their right to take action in the application according to the relevant regulations.

To learn more:

• power of attorney
• patent application
• pre-AIA
• assignee
• revocation