How is the correspondence address determined for a nonprovisional international design application?

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 correspondence address for a nonprovisional international design application is determined according to 37 CFR 1.1066(a), which states:

“Unless the correspondence address is changed in accordance with § 1.33(a), the Office will use as the correspondence address in a nonprovisional international design application the address according to the following order:

1. The correspondence address under § 1.1042;
2. The address of applicant’s representative identified in the publication of the international registration; and
3. The address of the applicant identified in the publication of the international registration.”

This hierarchical approach ensures that the USPTO has a reliable means of communicating with the applicant or their representative throughout the application process.