Who is authorized to sign amendments in patent applications?

According to MPEP 714.01(a), amendments and other papers filed in a patent application must be signed by:

• 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 (as defined in 37 CFR 1.42)

It’s important to note that for juristic entities (e.g., corporations), all papers must be signed by a patent practitioner unless otherwise specified.

For applications filed before September 16, 2012, there are additional provisions allowing signatures from assignees and all applicants in certain circumstances.

To learn more:

• patent amendment signatures
• authorized signatories
• patent application
• USPTO procedure