How does the appointment of a common representative affect existing appointments in a PCT application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The appointment of a common representative in a PCT application has specific effects on existing appointments: It automatically revokes any earlier appointment of a common representative, unless otherwise indicated. This revocation is immediate upon the new appointment being made. According to MPEP 1808 : “The appointment of a common representative similarly has the effect, unless otherwise indicated, of revoking any earlier appointment of a common representative.” This automatic revocation ensures that there is always a single, clear common representative for the application. If applicants wish to maintain multiple representatives, they must explicitly indicate this when making the new appointment. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Revocation of Agent or Common Representative Appointment MPEP 1808 Required New Common Rep Revokes Old One MPEP 1808 Required Revocation of Earlier Appointment MPEP 1808 Revocation of Agent or Representative Appointment MPEP 1808 Permitted First Named Applicant as Common Representative MPEP 1808 Required New Agent Appointment Revokes Previous One MPEP 1808 Required Notification Must Be Signed by Agent or Representative MPEP 1808 Permitted Appointment of Representative for International Design Application MPEP 2911 Revocation Must Be Signed by Appointers MPEP 1808 Required Attorney or Agent Must Represent International Applicants MPEP 1808 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a Customer Number be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application? What is the effect of appointing a new agent or common representative in a PCT application? How can an appointment of an agent or common representative be revo...