Is a daytime telephone number required in patent applications?

While not strictly required, the USPTO recommends providing a daytime telephone number in patent applications. According to MPEP 601.03(b):

“The submission of a daytime telephone number of the party to whom correspondence is to be addressed is requested pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.33(a).”

The MPEP further explains: “While business is to be conducted on the written record (37 CFR 1.2), a daytime telephone number is useful in initiating contact that could later be reduced to writing.” This means that while all official business must be in writing, a phone number can facilitate quick communication that can later be documented formally.

It’s worth noting that any party who can change the correspondence address can also change the telephone number.

To learn more:

• daytime telephone number
• patent application
• USPTO communication
• pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.33

To learn more:

• pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.33