How does the USPTO notify applicants of their practitioner’s suspension or exclusion?

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 USPTO has a specific process for notifying applicants when their patent practitioner has been suspended or excluded. The MPEP 407 outlines this process:

“The OED Director will… notify the applicant of the suspension or exclusion and of the limited recognition of the practitioner. The notification will be sent to the address of record in the application.”

This notification serves several purposes:

• Informs the applicant of their practitioner’s status change
• Advises the applicant of the practitioner’s limited recognition period
• Allows the applicant to take necessary actions to protect their patent application

It’s crucial for applicants to promptly respond to such notifications to ensure their patent applications are not adversely affected by their practitioner’s disciplinary status.

For more information on USPTO notification, visit: USPTO notification.