About the Office of Enrollment and Discipline
The Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) is responsible for registering attorneys and agents to practice before the USPTO and for developing and administering the registration examination. Only registered patent attorneys and agents, as well as individuals granted limited recognition are permitted to practice before the USPTO in patent matters. Additionally, the OED investigates allegations of misconduct by practitioners and administers and oversees the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification and Patent Pro Bono programs.
Changes to USPTO trademark rules of practice for foreign-domiciled trademark applicants and registrants beginning August 2019
On July 2, 2019, the USPTO published new regulations regarding the practice of trademark law before the USPTO that are effective on August 3, 2019. The regulations require applicants, registrants, or parties to a trademark proceeding whose domicile is not located within the United States or its territories to be represented by an attorney who is an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of one of the 50 states (or the District of Columbia or any commonwealth or territory of the U.S.). The new rules also remove the authorization for reciprocal recognition to practice in trademark matters before the USPTO based solely on a foreign attorney or agent’s authorization to practice before a foreign intellectual property office in patent matters.
The final rule and information about it is available on the new trademark rule page.
Patent and trademark practitioners
Current patent and trademark practitioners, as well as those interested in becoming a practitioner may visit the Patent and trademark practitioners page for information on ethics rules, General Requirements Bulletin, exam information, and more. Applicants and inventors may also find contact information and public disciplinary decisions regarding practitioners.
Patent and trademark practitioners
All attorneys and agents practicing before the USPTO in trademark or patent matters are subject to the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct set forth in 37 C.F.R. §§ 11.101 et. seq. and disciplinary jurisdiction under 37 C.F.R. § 11.19(a). Additionally, unauthorized individuals who represent others before the USPTO are subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the USPTO. See 37 C.F.R. §11.19(a).
Contact OED
Phone: 571-272-4097
Fax: 571-273-0074
Email: OED@uspto.gov
Mailing Address:
Mail Stop OED
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PO Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
Schedule appointments
Visit the OED enrollment appointment request page to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with an enrollment specialist.
Speaking engagements
Access information regarding past OED speaking engagements and presentations.