What is a customer number and how does it simplify patent correspondence?

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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. A customer number is a unique identifier assigned by the USPTO to simplify patent correspondence. According to MPEP 403 : ‘A customer number allows a patent applicant, patent owner, or assignee to designate a single correspondence address for all applications and patents associated with that customer number.’ Benefits of using a customer number include: Easier management of correspondence addresses for multiple applications Simplified process for changing the address or representative for all linked applications Improved efficiency in USPTO communications To obtain a customer number, you need to file a request with the USPTO using the appropriate form. For more information on Customer Number, visit: Customer Number . For more information on patent correspondence, visit: patent correspondence . For more information on USPTO, visit: USPTO . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Customer Number for Correspondence Address Required MPEP 403 Permitted Change Patent Correspondence to Customer Number MPEP 403 Forms for Customer Number Practice Required MPEP 403 Customer Number Practice Does Not Permit Law Firm Appointment MPEP 403 Customer Number Practice Permitted for Appointment of Practitioners MPEP 403 Permitted Single Customer Number for Correspondence Address MPEP 403 Permitted Correspondence Customer Number Required for USPTO Access MPEP 403 Permitted Customer Number for POA and Address Designation MPEP 403 Permitted Customer Number Over Typed Address MPEP 403.01(b) Customer Number for POA and Address Designation MPEP 403 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if a patent application is filed without a correspondence address? How is c...