How important is it to update my correspondence address with the USPTO?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. Updating your correspondence address with the USPTO is crucial. The MPEP emphasizes: “In essence, it is imperative that a paper notifying the Office of a change of address be filed promptly in each application in which the correspondence address is to be changed (except as provided for under Customer Number practice — see MPEP § 403 ).” Failure to receive important communications, including notices of abandonment, due to an outdated address can lead to missed deadlines and potential loss of patent rights. Promptly file a change of address for each affected application to ensure you receive all USPTO communications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Customer Number for Correspondence Address Required MPEP 403 Permitted Forms for Customer Number Practice Required MPEP 403 Change of Practitioners via Customer Number MPEP 403 Customer Number Practice Does Not Permit Law Firm Appointment MPEP 403 Requirement for Customer Number Practice MPEP 403 Prohibited Customer Number Practice Permitted for Appointment of Practitioners MPEP 403 Permitted Single Customer Number for Correspondence Address MPEP 403 Permitted Correspondence Address May Differ From Post Office Address MPEP 403 Permitted Change Patent Correspondence to Customer Number MPEP 403 Correspondence Customer Number Required for USPTO Access MPEP 403 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the significance of a Customer Number in patent application correspondence? How does the USPTO handle correspondence for juristic entities in patent applications? How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple patent practitioners? How does the USPTO handle correspondence from multiple attor...