How does the USPTO handle amendments signed by suspended or excluded practitioners?

The USPTO takes a strict approach to amendments signed by practitioners who have been suspended or excluded from practice. According to MPEP 714.01(a):

An amendment signed by a practitioner who has been suspended or excluded from practice under the provisions of 37 CFR Part 11 is not entered.

In such cases, the file and unentered amendment are submitted to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action. This ensures that only authorized practitioners are involved in patent prosecution and maintains the integrity of the patent system.

To learn more:

• suspended practitioners
• excluded practitioners
• patent amendments
• USPTO procedure