Who signs the Issue Classification sheet for allowed patent applications?
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 1302.13, both the primary examiner and the assistant examiner involved in the allowance of a patent application are required to sign the Issue Classification sheet. Specifically, the MPEP states:
“The primary examiner and the assistant examiner involved in the allowance of an application will apply E-Signatures on the Issue Classification sheet.”
This process ensures that both examiners involved in the final review and allowance of the application have verified and approved the classification details before the patent is issued.