Legal Definitions - Office of Enrollment and Discipline

The Office of Enrollment and Discipline is a division of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Its main responsibility is to license patent attorneys and patent agents. It also handles complaints about their misconduct.

For example, if a patent attorney or agent is found to have acted unethically or violated the rules of practice, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline can take action against them. This may include sanctions, suspension, or disbarment from practicing before the PTO.

The Office of Enrollment and Discipline's authority is concurrent with state disciplinary procedures. This means that if a practitioner is disciplined by a state bar association, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline may also take action against them.