MPEP 400- 3 Ring Binder Flashcards
Who can represent in from of the Patent Office?
- Inventor(s) - pro se (or joint inventors can select one to represent all)
- A registered patent agent or attorney (not suspended or had license revoked)
How is a FORMAL APPOINTMENT of an agent/attorney made?
MPEP 402
Execute a Power of Attorney
Note: May be on same piece of paper as original oath/declaration
What are the options for how to name agents/attorneys listed in a Power of Attorney?
EITHER/OR- NOT BOTH:
- List a PTO CUSTOMER NUMBER (group of people associated with the # at the PTO)
- List up to TEN INDIVIDUAL NAMES.
- If you list more than 10, MUST have a separate paper listing the 10 who will be responsible
- This paper can be signed by attorney of record
Rule 11.18(b)
EVERY PAPER filed by an agent/attorney MUST be personally signed by practitioner
- Except those specifically required to be signed by the applicant)
- Personal knowledge required
- May execute either a DISCLAIMER or TERMINAL DISCLAIMER
How can a Power of Attorney be fired?
MPEP 402.05
File a REVOCATION
- Can do at any time for any reason (unless they own part of the application)
Merely RECORDING an assignment does NOT automatically revoke POA
What is Acting in a Representative Capacity?
MPEP 405
If a practitioner submits a paper under THEIR NAME and REGISTRATION NUMBER, the PTO will accept this as an indication that the practitioner is……
When is REVOCATION of Power of Attorney effective?
The day RECEIVED by the Patent Office
Can REVOCATION occur when all inventors do not agree?
Yes, but need to…
- Submit a PETITION
- Give good and sufficient REASON
- FEE
PTO will advise inventors who must sign any papers (typically both)
How can an agent/attorney WITHDRAW from representation?
Must file a PETITION (MPEP 402.06)
37 CFR 10.40: Practitioner MUST certify that they:
1. Gave REASONABLE NOTICE to client, prior to expiration of reply period of intent to withdraw
- DELIVERED to the client/authorized rep ALL APPERS AND PROPERTY client is entitled
- NOTIFIED CLIENT of any REPLIES that may be due and TIMEFRAME for response
NOTE: Will be approved provide request is filed PRIOR to the EXPIRATION of a TIME PERIOD for reply or the expiration date of the period which can be obtained by a PETITION AND FEE for extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a)
NOTE: If filed after patent is abandoned or issues, will be place in application but will not be considered on the merits
When is WITHDRAWAL from REPRESENTATION effective?
When the Commisioner approves the request
What should you do if a client is completely unavailable (e.g., in a biosphere) and a decision is required to be made regarding an application?
- CANNOT make decision for them, even if they instructed you to make decisions for them. CANNOT SUBSTITUTE YOUR JUDGEMENT FOR THEIRS
- CANNOT file a response in order to postpone present deadline- UNETHICAL RULE 11.18(b)- to do anything just for the purpose of delay
- FILE CONTINUATION.
- If more time is needed, ask the PROSECUTION IS SUSPENDED in the continuation for a definite time
Must you READ a paper before you SIGN it?
Rule 11.18(b)
No longer required!
- Must understand what the papers include
- Must not sign if you know/think there may be a mistake
What is a SUBSTITUTE STATEMENT?
Rule 43 (37 CFR 1.43)
A statement submitted IN LIEU OF and OATH or DECLARATION from an inventor who is UNAVAILABLE (dead, insane, otherwise legally incapacitated, or refuses to participate) in EXECUTION (before filing) of an application
- Made on behalf of the missing inventor only (not any others)
What is the deadline for filing a SUBSTITUTE STATEMENT?
As late as PAYMENT of ISSUE FEE if a signed ADS identifying the inventors has been submitted
NOTE: May be filed early in the filing
What happens to Power of Attorney with DEATH of the INVENTOR AFTER FILING?
New Power of Attorney MUST be obtained from heirs, executors, administrators or assignees
UNLESS-
1. POA is coupled to an interest (owns part of app)
2. Power remains given by a co-inventor
3. Notice of Allowance has already been received