How does the USPTO handle correspondence after a sole patent practitioner’s death?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. When the USPTO is notified of the death of a sole patent practitioner of record, they continue to hold correspondence with the deceased practitioner’s office. However, the USPTO also mails a copy of the Office action to the person who originally appointed the practitioner. This ensures that the applicant or owner is informed of ongoing patent matters. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Copy of Office Action Sent to Appointer Upon Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Patent Practitioner Cannot Appoint Substitute MPEP 406 Prohibited Death Terminates Power of Attorney MPEP 406 Examiner Must Add Form Paragraph 4.03 in Office Actions After Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Recommended Withdraw Finality of Office Action to Reopen Prosecution MPEP 706.07(f) Recommended Examiner Should Not Suggest Patent Practitioner Without Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 401 Recommended Use Form Paragraph 7.125 with Office Action MPEP 704.14(a) Form Paragraph 22.05 May Be Used in Office Action MPEP 2285 Permitted Form Paragraph for Office Action Prior to Allowance MPEP 1302.14 Office Action Must Contain Form Paragraph 13.04 MPEP 1308.03 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Who receives USPTO correspondence after a patent practitioner&#8217;s death? What is Form Paragraph 4.03 used for in USPTO Office actions? What happens to a patent practitioner&#8217;s power of attorney when they die? Can a patent practitioner appoint a substitute before their death? Can a new patent practitioner be appointed after the death of the previous one?