Who can sign a micro entity certification?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

According to MPEP 509.04(c), a certification of micro entity status can be signed only by an authorized party as set forth in 37 CFR 1.33(b), which includes:

• A patent practitioner of record
• A patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34
• The applicant (37 CFR 1.42)

It’s important to note that “Unless otherwise specified, all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner.”