MPEP Section 409.01, Death of Inventor

Executive summary:

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409.01 Death of Inventor

Unless a power of attorney is coupled with an interest (i.e., **>a patent practitioner< is assignee or part-assignee), the death of the inventor (or one of the joint inventors) terminates the power of attorney given by the deceased inventor. A new power from the heirs, administrators, executors, or assignees is necessary if the deceased inventor is the sole inventor or all powers of attorney in the application have been terminated (but see MPEP § 409.01(f)). See also 37 CFR 1.422.