Can examiners with partial signatory authority issue restriction requirements?

Yes, examiners with partial signatory authority can issue restriction requirements, but only in non-final Office actions. According to MPEP 803.01:

“An examiner with permanent partial signatory authority or temporary partial signatory authority may sign non-final Office actions containing a final requirement for restriction.”

This allows examiners with partial authority to contribute to the examination process while reserving final decisions for those with full signatory authority.

To learn more:

• restriction requirements
• partial signatory authority
• non-final Office actions
• patent examination