What is the difference between a general power of attorney and a limited power of attorney in patent applications?
What is the difference between a general power of attorney and a limited power of attorney in patent applications?
In patent applications, there are two main types of power of attorney: general and limited. The MPEP 601.02 distinguishes between these as follows:
“A power of attorney may be in the form of a general power of attorney, e.g., to represent the client in all matters before the Office, or limited, e.g., to represent the client in a particular application or in a particular aspect of an application.”
Key differences include:
- General Power of Attorney: Grants broad authority to represent the client in all matters before the USPTO
- Limited Power of Attorney: Restricts the attorney’s authority to specific applications or aspects of an application
When deciding between the two, consider the scope of representation needed and any potential conflicts of interest. A limited power of attorney can be useful when working with multiple attorneys or when you want to maintain control over certain aspects of your patent portfolio.
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Topics:
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure