Who can represent a third party requester in an inter partes reexamination?

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 third party requester in an inter partes reexamination must be represented by a registered patent practitioner. The MPEP states:

“A third party requester may not be represented during a reexamination proceeding by an attorney or other person who is not registered to practice before the Office.”

This means that only attorneys or agents who are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can represent a third party requester in these proceedings.