How is the correspondence address handled in continuing applications?

For continuing applications where application papers from a prior application are used, special attention must be paid to the correspondence address. According to 37 CFR 1.33(f):

“Where application papers from a prior application are used in a continuing application and the correspondence address was changed during the prosecution of the prior application, an application data sheet or separate paper identifying the correspondence address to be used for the continuing application must be submitted. Otherwise, the Office may not recognize the change of correspondence address effected during the prosecution of the prior application.”

This means that applicants must explicitly specify the desired correspondence address for the continuing application to ensure proper communication with the USPTO.

To learn more:

• continuing application
• correspondence address
• prior application
• application data sheet