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.
There are two primary methods for requesting the deletion of a named inventor in a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) for design applications:
- Letter to the examiner: You can submit a letter directly to the patent examiner handling your application.
- Request for corrected filing receipt: You can file a formal request for a corrected filing receipt with the USPTO.
These methods are outlined in MPEP § 201, ¶ 2.32, which states:
In a continued prosecution application (CPA) for a design application (37 CFR 1.53(d)), a request to delete a named inventor from the prior application may be submitted by way of a letter to the examiner or a request for corrected filing receipt.
It’s important to note that this procedure is specific to design applications and is not applicable to utility patents.
For more information on CPA, visit: CPA.
For more information on design applications, visit: design applications.
For more information on patent examination, visit: patent examination.
For more information on USPTO procedures, visit: USPTO procedures.