Who can sign Form PCT/IPEA/408 and Form PCT/IPEA/411?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 4 Related FAQs 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 1876 , there are specific requirements for who can sign Form PCT/IPEA/408 and Form PCT/IPEA/411: “Form PCT/IPEA/408 and Form PCT/IPEA/411 must be signed by an examiner having at least partial signatory authority.” This requirement ensures that only authorized examiners can officially communicate about mistakes or invite rectifications in international patent applications. Partial signatory authority typically refers to examiners who have been granted certain levels of responsibility within the patent office. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiners Must Sign PCT/IPEA Forms MPEP 1876 Required Examiner With Partial Signatory Authority Must Sign PCT/IPEA/405 MPEP 1875.01 Required Examiner Can Invite Applicant to Correct Obvious Errors Using Form PCT/IPEA/411 MPEP 1876 Permitted International Preliminary Examining Authority Must Indelibly Mark Rectified Sheets MPEP 1876 Required Replacement Sheets and Letters Required for Obvious Mistakes MPEP 1876 Rectified Sheet Not Considered for Report MPEP 1876 Required Rectification of Obvious Mistakes Must Be Forwarded to International Bureau MPEP 1876 Required International Bureau Must Notify Elected Offices of Rectifications MPEP 1876 Mistakes Noted and Called to Applicant’s Attention by Examiner MPEP 1876 Permitted Non-Obvious Mistakes Noted in Box VII of PCT/IPEA/408 MPEP 1876 Permitted Other Related FAQs 4 FAQs Collapse What is the examiner&#8217;s role in identifying mistakes in international patent applications? What is the difference between obvious and non-obvious mistakes in international patent applications? What is the purpose of Form PCT/IPEA/408 in international patent applicat...