§31. Regulations for agents and attorneys

The Commissioner, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Commerce, may prescribe regulations governing the recognition and conduct of agents, attorneys, or other persons representing applicants or other parties before the Patent and Trademark Office, and may require them, before being recognized as representatives of applicants or other persons, to show that they are of good moral character and reputation and are possessed of the necessary qualifications to render to applicants or other persons valuable service, advice, and assistance in the presentation or prosecution of their applications or other business before the Office.

(July 19, 1952, ch. 950, 66 Stat. 795 ; Jan. 2, 1975, Pub. L. 93–596, §1, 88 Stat. 1949 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on Title 35, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §11 (R.S. 487, amended Feb. 18, 1922, ch. 58, §3, 42 Stat. 390 ).

The present statute is divided into two sections, 31 and 32.

Changes in language are made.

Amendments

1975-Pub. L. 93–596 substituted "Patent and Trademark Office" for "Patent Office".

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of Pub. L. 93–596, set out as a note under section 1111 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 32 of this title; title 5 section 500.