What is the priority order for correspondence addresses in patent applications?

When different correspondence addresses are specified in multiple documents submitted with a patent application, the USPTO follows a specific priority order to determine which address to use. According to MPEP 601.03(b), the priority order is as follows:

1. Application Data Sheet (ADS)
2. Application Transmittal
3. Oath or Declaration (unless a more current power of attorney exists)
4. Power of Attorney

The MPEP states: “In the experience of the Office, the ADS is the most recently created document and tends to have the most current address.” Therefore, if you want to ensure a specific correspondence address is used, it’s best to include it in the Application Data Sheet.

To learn more:

• correspondence address priority
• Application Data Sheet
• patent application documents
• USPTO procedure