Who must sign an international design application?
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 2909.01, an international design application must be signed by the applicant. This requirement is explicitly stated in the section, which cites 37 CFR 1.1022(b): “The international design application shall be signed by the applicant.”
This requirement is further reinforced by Hague Rule 7(1), which states: “The international application shall be signed by the applicant.”
It’s important to note that the signature can be provided either by the applicant directly or by the applicant’s representative if one has been appointed. The DM/1 form includes a specific space for the signature of the applicant or the applicant’s representative.