What are the signature requirements for papers filed by a juristic entity in a patent application?

For papers filed by a juristic entity (e.g., corporation) in a patent application:

  • A person authorized to act on behalf of the juristic entity must sign.
  • The signer’s name and title must be included.
  • The papers must state the signer’s capacity to sign for the juristic entity.

The MPEP states: Papers filed on behalf of juristic entities must be signed by a patent practitioner. 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3). (MPEP 402.03)

For example, a proper signature might look like: ‘John Smith, President, Corporation XYZ, authorized to sign on behalf of Corporation XYZ’.

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Topics: MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Corporate Filing, juristic entity, Signature Requirements