Can a juristic entity applicant sign a power of attorney form for a patent application?
Can a juristic entity applicant sign a power of attorney form for a patent application?
No, a juristic entity applicant (such as a corporation or organization) cannot directly sign a power of attorney form for a patent application. Instead, the power of attorney must be signed by a person authorized to act on behalf of the juristic entity.
According to MPEP 402.02(a):
“A power of attorney must be signed by the applicant for patent (37 CFR 1.42) or the patent owner (for reissue applications or reexamination proceedings). A power of attorney may only be signed by the applicant for patent (37 CFR 1.42) or the patent owner of record of the entire interest or their representative. An applicant for patent that is the assignee must comply with 37 CFR 3.71 and 3.73 to establish ownership of the application.”
For juristic entity applicants, this typically means that an officer or employee of the organization who has the authority to bind the organization must sign the power of attorney. This could be a CEO, president, or other authorized representative of the company.
It’s important to note that the person signing on behalf of a juristic entity should also provide their title or position within the organization to demonstrate their authority to act on behalf of the applicant.
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