What is the purpose of a Customer Number in USPTO 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 and streamline patent correspondence. According to the MPEP 403 , ‘The Customer Number practice permits applicants, attorneys, and agents of record to change their correspondence address for a number of applications with one request.’ This system allows for: Easy updates to correspondence addresses for multiple applications Efficient management of power of attorney Simplified access to private PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) for registered practitioners By using a Customer Number, patent applicants and their representatives can more effectively manage their patent portfolios and communications with the USPTO. For more information on Customer Number, visit: Customer Number . For more information on USPTO correspondence, visit: USPTO correspondence . 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 Power of Attorney via Customer Number 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 Customer Number for POA and Address Designation MPEP 403 Permitted Correspondence vs Power of Attorney Customer Numbers MPEP 403 Permitted 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 correspon...