How should court papers be served on the Director of the USPTO in judicial review proceedings?

According to MPEP 1216, service of court papers on the Director of the USPTO in judicial review proceedings must be made on the Office of the Solicitor. This is in accordance with Rule 5(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule 25(b) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Service can be effected in two ways:

1. By mail:
   Mail Stop 8
   Office of the Solicitor
   United States Patent and Trademark Office
   P.O. Box 1450
   Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
2. By hand delivery to the Office of the Solicitor

Important notes:

• The mail service address may include the name of the assigned attorney but must not refer to the Director or USPTO.
• Papers not mailed to the above address or hand-delivered to the Office of the Solicitor are deemed served when received by the Office of the Solicitor.
• This address is for court papers only. Non-court papers sent to this address will be returned to the sender.

To learn more:

• Service of Process
• USPTO Director
• Office of Solicitor
• Court Papers
• Judicial Review