1705.07(a) Requirement for Representation of Non-U.S.-domiciled Petitioner
A petitioner’s domicile will determine whether the petitioner is required to be represented before the USPTO by an attorney who is an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a U.S. state, Commonwealth, or territory or the District of Columbia (a qualified U.S. attorney). 37 C.F.R. §§2.11(a), 11.1, 11.14(e); TMEP §601. A petitioner whose domicile is not located within the United States or its territories must be represented by a qualified U.S. attorney. 37 C.F.R. §2.11(a); TMEP §601. See TMEP §601.01 regarding determining domicile and §602 regarding persons authorized to practice before the USPTO in trademark matters.
If the USPTO receives a petition filed by an unrepresented foreign domiciliary, an attorney or paralegal in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy will follow the procedures in TMEP §601.01(a) and grant the petitioner 60 days to appoint a qualified U.S. attorney and to supplement the petition, as appropriate. If the petitioner does not appoint a qualified U.S. attorney and submit any additional necessary information within the time allowed, the petition will be denied.