What is Form PTO/AIA/82 and how is it used for appointing a power of attorney?
Form PTO/AIA/82 is a USPTO form used by the applicant for patent to appoint one or more patent practitioners as power of attorney. This form consists of three parts:
- Part A (PTO/AIA/82A): A transmittal page used to identify the application to which the power of attorney is directed. It must be signed by a proper 37 CFR 1.33(b) party.
- Part B (PTO/AIA/82B): The actual power of attorney, which may also specify the correspondence address. This part must be signed by the applicant.
- Part C (PTO/AIA/82C): An optional page that may be used to appoint up to 10 patent practitioners by name and registration number.
The MPEP notes that “PTO/AIA/82 may be used like a general power of attorney, if desired.” For example, an officer of a juristic entity assignee could sign Part B, leaving the “Application Number” and “Filing Date” boxes empty. Then, a patent practitioner could complete and sign one Part A for each respective application and file a copy of Part B with each Part A.
It’s important to note that the “Application Number” and “Filing Date” boxes on Part B must be completed to identify the application if Part A or an equivalent is not filed with Part B. These boxes may not be filled in by a patent practitioner after Part B has been signed by the applicant.
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