What are the rules for assignee revocation of power of attorney in applications filed before September 16, 2012?

For applications filed before September 16, 2012, the process for an assignee to revoke a power of attorney is different. According to the MPEP:

In applications filed before September 16, 2012, the assignee of record of the entire interest can revoke the power of attorney of the applicant unless an ‘irrevocable’ right to prosecute the application had been given as in some government owned applications.

The assignee must establish their right to take action as provided in pre-AIA 37 CFR 3.73(b). Once this is done, a power of attorney by the assignee of the entire interest revokes all powers given by the applicant and prior assignees.

Form PTO/SB/80 can be used by an assignee to revoke a power of attorney and appoint a new one. The assignee would sign the power of attorney, and either the assignee or the newly appointed practitioner would sign a statement under pre-AIA 37 CFR 3.73(b).

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Topics: MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Assignee, power of attorney, pre-AIA, revocation