What is Form Paragraph 4.03 used for in USPTO Office actions?

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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. Form Paragraph 4.03 is used by USPTO examiners in Office actions to notify relevant parties about the death of a patent practitioner. The paragraph reads: Notice of the death of the attorney or agent of record has come to the attention of this Office. Since the power of attorney is therefore terminated, this action is being mailed to the office of the patent practitioner and to the party who originally appointed the deceased patent practitioner. A new registered attorney or agent may be appointed. This paragraph informs recipients that the power of attorney has been terminated and that a new attorney or agent can be appointed. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner Must Add Form Paragraph 4.03 in Office Actions After Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Recommended Death Terminates Power of Attorney MPEP 406 Patent Practitioner Cannot Appoint Substitute MPEP 406 Prohibited Copy of Office Action Sent to Appointer Upon Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Form Paragraph 22.05 May Be Used in Office Action MPEP 2285 Permitted Form Paragraph for Office Action Prior to Allowance MPEP 1302.14 Form Paragraph Must Be Used Once Per Office Action MPEP 2148 Recommended Use Form Paragraph 7.125 with Office Action MPEP 704.14(a) Form Paragraph Must Be Used Once Per Office Action MPEP 1504.02 Recommended Form Paragraph Must Be Used Once Per Office Action MPEP 1504.03 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle correspondence after a sole patent practitioner&#8217;s death? Who receives USPTO correspondence after a patent practitioner&#8217;s death? What happens to a patent practitioner&#8217;s power of attorney when they die? Can a patent practition...