Non-attorneys precluded from representing applicants and registrants

Non-attorneys are not legally allowed to represent applicants or registrants, whether precluded or not. A non-attorney, such as an unlawful filing firm, may receive an order for sanctions that precludes them from representing applicants or registrants before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If an applicant or registrant is required to or wants to be represented before the USPTO, then they must hire a U.S.-licensed attorney.

Attorneys may be excluded from practicing before the USPTO through the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). Anyone who is precluded or excluded cannot submit any documents to the USPTO on an applicant’s or registrant’s behalf.

Review the administrative orders process and see past orders for sanctions and exclusion orders.