What must a patent practitioner ensure when withdrawing from a case to avoid late fees?

When a patent practitioner decides to withdraw from a case, providing sufficient notice is crucial. This requirement is in place to ensure that the client has adequate time to find alternative representation and to manage any pending deadlines or obligations. In the context of patent law, adhering to timelines is essential, as delays can lead to fees or the loss of rights. By giving proper notice, the practitioner helps prevent any potential late fees that could arise from the client not being properly informed or prepared to continue with the case.

The other options relate to different aspects of the process or do not directly address the importance of timely communication to avoid late fees. Filing a continuation, for example, pertains to keeping a patent application alive rather than the withdrawal process. Likewise, while submitting a request for withdrawal to the court is part of the procedure, it does not inherently relate to avoiding late fees like providing adequate notice does. Ensuring that clients are fully apprised of changes in representation is a core responsibility of practitioners in maintaining professionalism and client trust.