What information about the nonsigning inventor must be included in the patent application?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09

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 filing a patent application with an unavailable joint inventor, you must include the last known address of the nonsigning inventor. As stated in MPEP 409.03(a):

“The last known address of the nonsigning joint inventor must be stated.”

For more details on providing this information, refer to MPEP 409.03(e). This requirement helps the USPTO in potential future communications and establishes that efforts were made to locate the inventor.

Topics: MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: joint inventors, Last Known Address, Unavailable Inventor