What forms can be used to authorize a patent practitioner for an interview?
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 main forms that can be used to authorize a patent practitioner for an interview:
- Applicant Initiated Interview Request Form (PTOL-413A)
- Form/PTO/SB/84, ‘Authorization to Act in a Representative Capacity’
According to MPEP 405:
Registered practitioners, when acting in a representative capacity, can show authorization to conduct an interview by completing, signing and filing an Applicant Initiated Interview Request Form (PTOL-413A).
Additionally:
Alternatively, Form/PTO/SB/84, ‘Authorization to Act in a Representative Capacity,’ which is available from the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/web/forms/sb0084.pdf may be used to establish the authority to conduct an interview.