What happens if there are conflicting correspondence addresses in a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. When conflicting correspondence addresses are present in a patent application, the USPTO follows specific guidelines to determine which address to use. According to MPEP 601.03 : “Where more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over a typed correspondence address.” In practice, this means: The USPTO will choose one address to use for correspondence. If a Customer Number is provided, it’s likely to be preferred over a typed address. To avoid confusion, it’s best to ensure that only one clear correspondence address is specified in your application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Correspondence Address Changes MPEP 601.03 Application Must Specify Correspondence Address MPEP 601.03 Required Contents of Patent Application Required MPEP 601 Required Fee Required for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Inventor Must File Written Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Fee and Oath/Declaration Requirement for Patent Application MPEP 601 Required Separate Notification Required for Each Application MPEP 601.03 Required Specification and Claims Required for Nonprovisional Application MPEP 601 Required Application Must Be Made In Writing By Inventor MPEP 601 Required Claims and Oath/Declaration Can Be Filed After Initial Date Under Specific Conditions MPEP 601 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can a patent practitioner change the correspondence address without the applicant&#8217;s approval? How does changing the correspondence address in a patent application aff...