Who receives USPTO correspondence after a patent practitioner’s death?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 8 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. After the USPTO is notified of a patent practitioner’s death, correspondence is sent to two parties: The office of the deceased practitioner The person who originally appointed the deceased patent practitioner This dual notification ensures that both the practitioner’s office and the original appointer are aware of ongoing patent matters and can take appropriate action. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 8 rules Collapse Patent Practitioner Cannot Appoint Substitute MPEP 406 Prohibited Copy of Office Action Sent to Appointer Upon Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Death Terminates Power of Attorney MPEP 406 Examiner Must Add Form Paragraph 4.03 in Office Actions After Practitioner Death MPEP 406 Recommended Examiner Should Not Suggest Patent Practitioner Without Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 401 Recommended Listing of Patent Practitioners Required MPEP 401 Examiner May Suggest Hiring Patent Attorney for Pro Se Applicants MPEP 401 Prohibited How to Get a List of Registered Patent Practitioners MPEP 401 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle correspondence after a sole patent practitioner&#8217;s death? What is Form Paragraph 4.03 used for in USPTO Office actions? What happens to a patent practitioner&#8217;s power of attorney when they die? Can a patent practitioner appoint a substitute before their death? Can a new patent practitioner be appointed after the death of the previous one?