Can an agent sign an international patent application?
Yes, an agent can sign an international patent application. According to MPEP 1820:
“The international application may be signed by an agent.”
However, there are specific requirements for patent practitioners acting as agents:
“Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.34, a patent practitioner acting in a representative capacity must set forth his or her registration number on submitted papers.”
It’s also worth noting that the requirement for a separate power of attorney may be waived in some cases:
“The United States Receiving Office will, in most cases, waive the requirement for a separate power of attorney. See MPEP § 1807.”
To learn more: