37 CFR § 1.4 — Nature of correspondence and signature (MPEP Coverage Index) – BlueIron IP

This page consolidates MPEP guidance interpreting 37 CFR § 1.4, including 247 rules 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.

Summary

The nature of required signatures for third-party submissions to patent applications involves ensuring all documents are properly signed and include the correct identifying information.

What this section covers

Define the nature of required signatures for third-party submissions to patent applications.
Outline the specific requirements for electronic submission of assignment documents, including necessary cover sheets and identifying information.

Key obligations

Require that third-party submissions to patent applications must be signed by the submitter.
Specify that electronic assignment documents must include a cover sheet to record a single transaction and identify the application or patent number.

Practice notes

Advise practitioners to ensure all third-party submissions are properly signed and include the required identifying information for electronic filings.
Remind practitioners to use a compliant electronic signature format and include the necessary cover sheet for assignment documents.

Third-Party Submissions Must Be SignedMPEP 1134.01Required
Submitter Must Sign but Real Party Can Remain AnonymousMPEP 1134.01Prohibited
Separate Petitions for Distinct Subjects RequiredMPEP 1002Recommended
Delay Filing of Petitions Under 1.182/1.183 After Supervisory ReviewMPEP 1002Permitted
Signature Required for Third-Party Submissions in Patent ApplicationsMPEP 1134.01Prohibited
Copy Signature Required for DisclaimerMPEP 1490
Copies Allowed for DisclaimersMPEP 1490Permitted
Design Patent Practitioners Must Indicate Their StatusMPEP 1502.02Required
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status Adjacent to SignatureMPEP 1502.02Required
Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i)MPEP 1820Required
Request Must Be Signed by At Least One ApplicantMPEP 1820
Signature from Designated State Applicant RequiredMPEP 1820Permitted
Signature of Applicant Required for International ApplicationMPEP 1820
Request May Be Original or CopyMPEP 1820Permitted
Written Disclosure Required for Each ApplicationMPEP 2002.02Required
Presentation of Paper Constitutes CertificationMPEP 2002.02
Disclosure Must Be In WritingMPEP 2002.02
Requirement for Factual Support and Legal Warrantiness in Paper PresentationMPEP 2002.02
Requirement for Prior Art Disqualification StatementMPEP 2146.02Required
Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement Under Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c)MPEP 2146.02
Statement Required for Prior Art Disqualification Under CREATE ActMPEP 2146.02Prohibited
Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement Under CREATE ActMPEP 2146.02Required
Evidence for Joint Research Agreement OptionalMPEP 2146.02Required
Assignment Document Must Include Identification and Online Cover SheetMPEP 302.10Required
Cover Sheet Required for Single TransactionMPEP 302.10
No Recording Fee for Electronic DocumentsMPEP 302.10
Check Current Fee Schedule Before Submitting DocumentsMPEP 302.10Recommended
Recordation Fee Requirement for Electronic DocumentsMPEP 302.10Required
Signature on Cover Sheet Must Comply with RegulationsMPEP 302.10Required
Non-Recordable Assignment Document Must Be Returned by FaxMPEP 302.10
Resubmission of Amended Document Required After Non-RecordationMPEP 302.10Permitted
Timely Submission Provides Initial Receipt Date as Recordation DateMPEP 302.10
Correspondence Must Bear Practitioner’s SignatureMPEP 402.03Required
Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
Correspondence Must Be Signed by PractitionerMPEP 410Required
Party Must Certify Accuracy of Paper SubmissionMPEP 410Permitted
Disciplinary Action for Violating Practitioner CertificationsMPEP 410Permitted
Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required
Completed Office Form Certification RequirementMPEP 410
Practitioner Not Required to Certify InformationMPEP 410
Practitioner Inquiry Reasonable Under CircumstancesMPEP 410
Signature and Certificate for Correspondence RequiredMPEP 410
Disciplinary Action for Violations of Signature RequirementsMPEP 410Permitted
Disciplinary Action for Violating Signature RulesMPEP 410Permitted
Correspondence with Patent Office Required for Applications and ProceedingsMPEP 501
Separate Copies for Each FileMPEP 501Required
Avoid Filing Duplicate Correspondence Except When RequiredMPEP 501Recommended
Office May Dispose of Duplicate CorrespondenceMPEP 501Permitted
Each Subject Must Be In Separate PaperMPEP 501Required
Multiple Subjects Per Paper ProhibitedMPEP 501Permitted
Certified Document Must Be Original, Not CopyMPEP 501Required
Disclosure of Assistance Received During Patent Application PreparationMPEP 501Required
Disclosure of Assistance in Patent Application Preparation RequiredMPEP 501
Office May Require Confirmation of Signature AuthenticityMPEP 501Permitted
Matters for Different USPTO Branches Must Be in Separate PapersMPEP 501Required
Distinct Subjects Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 501Permitted
Types of Correspondence Permitted by FacsimileMPEP 502.01Permitted
Prohibited Situations for Facsimile TransmissionsMPEP 502.01Prohibited
Originals Must Be Submitted Where SpecifiedMPEP 502.01Required
Notification for Prohibited FacsimilesMPEP 502.01Permitted
All Handwritten Signatures CoveredMPEP 502.02
Handwritten Signatures Must Be Dark and PermanentMPEP 502.02
Scanned Image of Handwritten Signature Permitted for USPTO FilingMPEP 502.02Permitted
Typewriter Applied Signatures Not HandwrittenMPEP 502.02
Typewriter Applied Signature RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
Handwritten Signature Must Be Truly HandwrittenMPEP 502.02Prohibited
Graphic Representation of Handwritten Signature Required for FilingMPEP 502.02
Signature Must Include Design StatusMPEP 502.02Required
S-Signature Must Consist of Letters, Numbers, and PunctuationMPEP 502.02Required
S-Signature Must Include Letters and NumeralsMPEP 502.02
Non-Text Graphic Characters Prohibited in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Can Include Letters and NumbersMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Must Be Inserted Between Forward SlashesMPEP 502.02Required
No Additional Forward Slashes Allowed In S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Must Be Between Forward SlashesMPEP 502.02
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Punctuation Marks Allowed in S-SignaturesMPEP 502.02
Punctuation Marks Allowed in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Punctuation Marks Not Permitted Without Letters Or Numbers In S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Improper S-Signature Using Only PunctuationMPEP 502.02Permitted
Who Can Insert S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Person Must Insert Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Signer Must Type Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Practitioner Must Sign Own DocumentMPEP 502.02
Practitioner May Direct Keyboard Input for S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Commercial Signing System for Electronic FilingsMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Not Required for Paper DocumentsMPEP 502.02
Same S-Signature Must Be Used ConsistentlyMPEP 502.02Recommended
Signer Must Verify Identity Indicia ConsistencyMPEP 502.02Recommended
Prohibition on Using Another's S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Must Include Full NameMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Requirement for Non-Name SignaturesMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Requirement for TitlesMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Number Must Be Adjacent to S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Hash Before Registration Number in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate StatusMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Number Not Required for Practitioner Signing as ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required
Patent Practitioner Must Provide Registration Number for Juristic Entity ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Not Required for Pre-AIA Applicants and AssigneesMPEP 502.02Required
Presentation of Paper Constitutes CertificationMPEP 502.02
Certification for Another's Signature RequiredMPEP 502.02
Requirement for Practitioner to Email Declaration to InventorMPEP 502.02
Retain Evidence of Inventor SignatureMPEP 502.02Recommended
Person Inserting Signature Must Certify It Is Their OwnMPEP 502.02
Requester May Face Sanctions for Inappropriate Signature InsertionMPEP 502.02Permitted
Sanctions for Signature MisrepresentationsMPEP 502.02Permitted
Office May Inquire About Signer’s IdentityMPEP 502.02Permitted
Confirmation of S-Signature Required When Name MismatchMPEP 502.02Required
Consistent Use of Signatures RequiredMPEP 502.02Recommended
Confirmation of Signatures Required When UnclearMPEP 502.02Permitted
Signature Confirmation Required for VariationsMPEP 502.02
Confirmation of Noncompliant Signatures RequiredMPEP 502.02Recommended
Resubmission of Signed Document RequiredMPEP 502.02Permitted
Resubmission Required for Poor Signature QualityMPEP 502.02Required
Evidence Required for Signature AuthenticityMPEP 502.02Permitted
Chain of Custody for Document AuthenticityMPEP 502.02Permitted
Chain of Custody for Document AuthenticityMPEP 502.02
Inadvertent S-Signature Failure Is Not BindingMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Format RequirementMPEP 502.02Prohibited
Resubmission of Same S-Signature Not Permitted After RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
Certified Copies Must Be Originals Not PhotocopiesMPEP 502.02
Requirement for Foreign Priority Documents from PDXMPEP 502.02Permitted
Certifications Not Requiring OriginalsMPEP 502.02Required
Use PTO/SB/439 for Internet CommunicationsMPEP 502.03
Requirement for Internet Communications Authorized or WithdrawnMPEP 502.03Permitted
Internet Authorization Must Be on Separate PaperMPEP 502.03Required
Separate Paper for Internet Communications AuthorizationMPEP 502.03
Multiple Copies May Delay ProcessingMPEP 502.04Permitted
Office May Discard Duplicate CorrespondenceMPEP 502.04Permitted
Signatures Must Meet EFS-Web RequirementsMPEP 502.05
Assertion of Small Entity Status Contains CertificationMPEP 509.03Required
Fees as Small Entity After Status EstablishedMPEP 509.03Permitted
Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03
Notification Required Before Paying Issue FeeMPEP 509.03Required
Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03
Payment of Small Entity Fee Invokes Self-CertificationMPEP 509.03(a)
Extension of Time Must Be Filed in Correct ApplicationMPEP 710.02(e)Required
Internet Authorization Must Be Submitted SeparatelyMPEP 713.01Required
Internet Authorization Must Be Submitted SeparatelyMPEP 713.01
Common Ownership Statement Requirement for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for Common Ownership ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited
Statement Must Be Signed for Common Ownership ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for JRA ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Must Be on Separate Sheet for JRA ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited
Statement Must Be Signed for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Requirement for Joint Research Agreement StatementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited
Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Requirement for Supporting Evidence of Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be DisclosedMPEP 717.02(b)Required
Disclosure of Joint Research Agreement Parties RequiredMPEP 717.02(b)
Disclosure of Joint Research Agreement Parties Required for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(b)Required
Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(b)
Statement for Joint Research Agreement RequiredMPEP 717.02(b)Prohibited
Requirement for Signed Statement on Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(b)Required

Third-Party Submissions Must Be SignedMPEP 1134.01Required
Acknowledgment of Willful False Statements Required in DeclarationsMPEP 1481.02Required
Design Patent Practitioners Must Indicate Their StatusMPEP 1502.02Required
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status Adjacent to SignatureMPEP 1502.02Required
Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i)MPEP 1820Required
Signer’s Name Must Be Presented Adjacent to S-SignatureMPEP 1820Required
Patent Practitioner Registration Number Required for S-SignatureMPEP 1820Required
Written Disclosure Required for Each ApplicationMPEP 2002.02Required
Each Distinct Subject Must Be Contained in a Separate PaperMPEP 2011Required
Requirement for Prior Art Disqualification StatementMPEP 2146.02Required
Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement Under CREATE ActMPEP 2146.02Required
Evidence for Joint Research Agreement OptionalMPEP 2146.02Required
Requirement for Joint Research Agreement StatementMPEP 2156Required
Joint Research Agreement Must Be In Effect Before Filing Date and Linked to InventionMPEP 2156Required
Statement Must Be Signed for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 2156Required
Amendment to Include Party Names Must Be Accompanied by Processing FeeMPEP 2156Required
Assignment Document Must Include Identification and Online Cover SheetMPEP 302.10Required
Recordation Fee Requirement for Electronic DocumentsMPEP 302.10Required
Signature on Cover Sheet Must Comply with RegulationsMPEP 302.10Required
Duplicate 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement Not RequiredMPEP 324Required
Duplicate 37 CFR 3.73(c) Statement Not RequiredMPEP 325Required
Juristic Entity Must Be Represented by Patent PractitionerMPEP 401Required
Correspondence Must Bear Practitioner’s SignatureMPEP 402.03Required
Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
Correspondence Must Be Signed by PractitionerMPEP 410Required
Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required
Separate Copies for Each FileMPEP 501Required
Each Subject Must Be In Separate PaperMPEP 501Required
Certified Document Must Be Original, Not CopyMPEP 501Required
Disclosure of Assistance Received During Patent Application PreparationMPEP 501Required
Matters for Different USPTO Branches Must Be in Separate PapersMPEP 501Required
Originals Must Be Submitted Where SpecifiedMPEP 502.01Required
All Correspondence Except Appeal Requires SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Dark Ink Required for Legible ScansMPEP 502.02Required
Typewriter Applied Signature RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
Signature Must Include Design StatusMPEP 502.02Required
Handwritten Signature as Electronic Image RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
S-Signature Must Consist of Letters, Numbers, and PunctuationMPEP 502.02Required
S-Signature Must Be Inserted Between Forward SlashesMPEP 502.02Required
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Typed Name Must Be Placed Between SlashesMPEP 502.02Required
Person Must Insert Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Signer Must Type Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
S-Signature Requirement for TitlesMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Number Must Be Adjacent to S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate StatusMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Number Not Required for Practitioner Signing as ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required
Patent Practitioner Must Provide Registration Number for Juristic Entity ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required
Registration Not Required for Pre-AIA Applicants and AssigneesMPEP 502.02Required
Signer’s Name Must Be Printed or Typed Adjacent to SignatureMPEP 502.02Required
Confirmation of S-Signature Required When Name MismatchMPEP 502.02Required
Resubmission Required for Poor Signature QualityMPEP 502.02Required
Name Change Must Be Requested Under 37 CFR 1.48(f)MPEP 502.02Required
Obvious Typographical Error RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
Resubmission of Same S-Signature Not Permitted After RequirementMPEP 502.02Required
Certifications Not Requiring OriginalsMPEP 502.02Required
Internet Authorization Must Be on Separate PaperMPEP 502.03Required
Signatures Required for Amendments and Other PapersMPEP 502.05Required
Follow-On Document Must Identify Application DetailsMPEP 502.05Required
Signatures Required for EFS-Web SubmissionsMPEP 502.05Required
Signature Requirement for EFS-Web CorrespondenceMPEP 502.05Required
Signed Transmittal Form Required for EFS-Web FilingsMPEP 502.05Required
Correspondence Address Must Be Clearly Stated and SignedMPEP 502.05Required
Assertion of Small Entity Status Contains CertificationMPEP 509.03Required
Notification Required Before Paying Issue FeeMPEP 509.03Required
Extension of Time Must Be Filed in Correct ApplicationMPEP 710.02(e)Required
Internet Authorization Must Be Submitted SeparatelyMPEP 713.01Required
Common Ownership Statement Requirement for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Must Be Signed for Common Ownership ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for JRA ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Must Be Signed for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Requirement for Joint Research Agreement StatementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Requirement for Supporting Evidence of Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be DisclosedMPEP 717.02(b)Required
Disclosure of Joint Research Agreement Parties Required for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(b)Required
Requirement for Signed Statement on Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(b)Required

Assignee of Entire Interest Can File ApplicationMPEP 106Permitted
Inventor Can Review Application Unless Requested OtherwiseMPEP 106
Request to Prevent Inventor Access Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 106Recommended
Access Restriction Ends Upon Public DisclosureMPEP 106
Practitioners Must Conduct Reasonable Inquiry for Inventor NamesMPEP 1481.02
Certification for Inventors Must Be TrueMPEP 1481.02
Handwritten and S-Signature Requirements for International ApplicationsMPEP 1820
Name Next to Handwritten Signature RequiredMPEP 1820Recommended
Signature Requirement for Facsimiled DocumentsMPEP 1834.01Permitted
Acceptable Signature for Fax DocumentsMPEP 1834.01
Correction Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 2011Recommended
Disclosure Must Be Made Under Joint Research AgreementMPEP 2156Prohibited
Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be Included in ApplicationMPEP 2156
Amending Names Does Not Add New MatterMPEP 2156
Assignments and Other Title-Affecting Documents Must Be Submitted via EPASMPEP 302.10Permitted
EPAS Required for Assignment DocumentsMPEP 302.10
Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(b)MPEP 324
Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(c)MPEP 325
Non-Juristic Entity Can File and Prosecute Own Patent Application Pro SeMPEP 401Permitted
Certifications Required for Pro Se ApplicantsMPEP 401Permitted
Certification for Inserted Signatures RequiredMPEP 410
Signature Authenticity Requirement for FilingMPEP 410Recommended
S-Signature and Handwritten Signatures Allowed for FilingsMPEP 502.02Permitted
Graphic Signature Allowed for FilingMPEP 502.02Permitted
Handwritten Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02Permitted
Original Handwritten Signature RequirementMPEP 502.02
Dark Ink or Equivalent for Handwritten Signatures AllowedMPEP 502.02
Copies of Correspondence May Be FiledMPEP 502.02Permitted
Copies of Amendments and Declarations May Be FiledMPEP 502.02Permitted
Copies of Copies AllowedMPEP 502.02Permitted
Handwritten Signatures for Correspondence AllowedMPEP 502.02Permitted
Original Signature Required for CopiesMPEP 502.02Recommended
Requirement for Submitting Original SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Format RequirementMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02
S-Signature for Patent CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02Permitted
Email Filings Not Authorized by S-Signature RuleMPEP 502.02
Script Fonts Prohibited Except for S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
Printed Name Must Be Applied to DocumentMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Name Can Precede or Follow SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted
S-signer Name Must Be Printed or TypedMPEP 502.02
S-Signature Graphic Representation Required for Electronic FilingMPEP 502.02
Ratification Required for Doubtful SignaturesMPEP 502.02Permitted
Ratification Required for Proper SignerMPEP 502.02
Practitioner Can Ratify Their Signature But Not a Secretary’sMPEP 502.02Permitted
Registered Practitioner Cannot Ratify Inventor's SignatureMPEP 502.02Prohibited
Inadvertent Typo as Bona Fide Signature AttemptMPEP 502.02
Registered Users May Access but Not File Without All SignaturesMPEP 502.05Prohibited
Sponsor Can File Signed Docs Via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05Permitted
Sponsored Support Staff Not Responsible for Document ContentsMPEP 502.05
Signer Responsible for EFS-Web SubmissionsMPEP 502.05
Documents Must Be Signed by Applicant or PractitionerMPEP 502.05Permitted
Sponsored Support Staff May Submit Signed Docs Electronically Under Practitioner’s DirectionMPEP 502.05Permitted
Ink Signed Documents Can Be E-FiledMPEP 502.05Permitted
Sponsored Support Staff May View and Retrieve Documents from Private PAIRMPEP 502.05Permitted
S-Signature or Handwritten Signature Required for EFS-Web PDF SubmissionsMPEP 502.05Permitted
Presentation to USPTO Constitutes CertificationMPEP 502.05
Inventor Can Assert Small Entity Status Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03Permitted
Inventor Can Assert Small Entity Status Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03
Written Assertion for Small Entity Status Permitted Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03
Individuals Can Assert Small Entity Status as InventorsMPEP 509.03
Actual Inventors Must Be Named for Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03Prohibited
Copy of Oath Must Be FiledMPEP 602
Original Oath or Declaration Required for AuthenticityMPEP 602Recommended
Original Oath or Declaration Required If Authenticity QuestionedMPEP 602Permitted
Electronic Signature for Patent Center Submissions PermittedMPEP 609.07Permitted

MPEP Section	Rules
MPEP § 1002	Separate Petitions for Distinct Subjects RequiredMPEP 1002Recommended Delay Filing of Petitions Under 1.182/1.183 After Supervisory ReviewMPEP 1002Permitted
MPEP § 106	Assignee of Entire Interest Can File ApplicationMPEP 106Permitted Inventor Can Review Application Unless Requested OtherwiseMPEP 106 Request to Prevent Inventor Access Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 106Recommended Access Restriction Ends Upon Public DisclosureMPEP 106
MPEP § 1134.01	Third-Party Submissions Must Be SignedMPEP 1134.01Required Submitter Must Sign but Real Party Can Remain AnonymousMPEP 1134.01Prohibited Signature Required for Third-Party Submissions in Patent ApplicationsMPEP 1134.01Prohibited
MPEP § 1481.02	Practitioners Must Conduct Reasonable Inquiry for Inventor NamesMPEP 1481.02 Acknowledgment of Willful False Statements Required in DeclarationsMPEP 1481.02Required Certification for Inventors Must Be TrueMPEP 1481.02
MPEP § 1490	Copy Signature Required for DisclaimerMPEP 1490 Copies Allowed for DisclaimersMPEP 1490Permitted
MPEP § 1502.02	Design Patent Practitioners Must Indicate Their StatusMPEP 1502.02Required Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status Adjacent to SignatureMPEP 1502.02Required
MPEP § 1820	Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i)MPEP 1820Required Request Must Be Signed by At Least One ApplicantMPEP 1820 Signature from Designated State Applicant RequiredMPEP 1820Permitted Signature of Applicant Required for International ApplicationMPEP 1820 Request May Be Original or CopyMPEP 1820Permitted Handwritten and S-Signature Requirements for International ApplicationsMPEP 1820 Name Next to Handwritten Signature RequiredMPEP 1820Recommended Signer’s Name Must Be Presented Adjacent to S-SignatureMPEP 1820Required Patent Practitioner Registration Number Required for S-SignatureMPEP 1820Required
MPEP § 1834.01	Signature Requirement for Facsimiled DocumentsMPEP 1834.01Permitted Acceptable Signature for Fax DocumentsMPEP 1834.01
MPEP § 2002.02	Written Disclosure Required for Each ApplicationMPEP 2002.02Required Presentation of Paper Constitutes CertificationMPEP 2002.02 Disclosure Must Be In WritingMPEP 2002.02 Requirement for Factual Support and Legal Warrantiness in Paper PresentationMPEP 2002.02
MPEP § 2011	Correction Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 2011Recommended Each Distinct Subject Must Be Contained in a Separate PaperMPEP 2011Required
MPEP § 2146.02	Requirement for Prior Art Disqualification StatementMPEP 2146.02Required Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement Under Pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c)MPEP 2146.02 Statement Required for Prior Art Disqualification Under CREATE ActMPEP 2146.02Prohibited Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement Under CREATE ActMPEP 2146.02Required Evidence for Joint Research Agreement OptionalMPEP 2146.02Required
MPEP § 2156	Requirement for Joint Research Agreement StatementMPEP 2156Required Joint Research Agreement Must Be In Effect Before Filing Date and Linked to InventionMPEP 2156Required Disclosure Must Be Made Under Joint Research AgreementMPEP 2156Prohibited Statement Must Be Signed for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 2156Required Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be Included in ApplicationMPEP 2156 Amendment to Include Party Names Must Be Accompanied by Processing FeeMPEP 2156Required Amending Names Does Not Add New MatterMPEP 2156
MPEP § 302.10	Assignments and Other Title-Affecting Documents Must Be Submitted via EPASMPEP 302.10Permitted EPAS Required for Assignment DocumentsMPEP 302.10 Assignment Document Must Include Identification and Online Cover SheetMPEP 302.10Required Cover Sheet Required for Single TransactionMPEP 302.10 No Recording Fee for Electronic DocumentsMPEP 302.10 Check Current Fee Schedule Before Submitting DocumentsMPEP 302.10Recommended Recordation Fee Requirement for Electronic DocumentsMPEP 302.10Required Signature on Cover Sheet Must Comply with RegulationsMPEP 302.10Required Non-Recordable Assignment Document Must Be Returned by FaxMPEP 302.10 Resubmission of Amended Document Required After Non-RecordationMPEP 302.10Permitted Timely Submission Provides Initial Receipt Date as Recordation DateMPEP 302.10
MPEP § 324	Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(b)MPEP 324 Duplicate 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement Not RequiredMPEP 324Required
MPEP § 325	Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(c)MPEP 325 Duplicate 37 CFR 3.73(c) Statement Not RequiredMPEP 325Required
MPEP § 401	Juristic Entity Must Be Represented by Patent PractitionerMPEP 401Required Non-Juristic Entity Can File and Prosecute Own Patent Application Pro SeMPEP 401Permitted Certifications Required for Pro Se ApplicantsMPEP 401Permitted
MPEP § 402.03	Correspondence Must Bear Practitioner’s SignatureMPEP 402.03Required Certifications for Papers Filed with Office RequiredMPEP 402.03Required
MPEP § 410	Correspondence Must Be Signed by PractitionerMPEP 410Required Party Must Certify Accuracy of Paper SubmissionMPEP 410Permitted Disciplinary Action for Violating Practitioner CertificationsMPEP 410Permitted Certification for Inserted Signatures RequiredMPEP 410 Signature Authenticity Requirement for FilingMPEP 410Recommended Certifications for USPTO Papers RequiredMPEP 410Required Completed Office Form Certification RequirementMPEP 410 Practitioner Not Required to Certify InformationMPEP 410 Practitioner Inquiry Reasonable Under CircumstancesMPEP 410 Signature and Certificate for Correspondence RequiredMPEP 410 Disciplinary Action for Violations of Signature RequirementsMPEP 410Permitted Disciplinary Action for Violating Signature RulesMPEP 410Permitted
MPEP § 501	Correspondence with Patent Office Required for Applications and ProceedingsMPEP 501 Separate Copies for Each FileMPEP 501Required Avoid Filing Duplicate Correspondence Except When RequiredMPEP 501Recommended Office May Dispose of Duplicate CorrespondenceMPEP 501Permitted Each Subject Must Be In Separate PaperMPEP 501Required Multiple Subjects Per Paper ProhibitedMPEP 501Permitted Certified Document Must Be Original, Not CopyMPEP 501Required Disclosure of Assistance Received During Patent Application PreparationMPEP 501Required Disclosure of Assistance in Patent Application Preparation RequiredMPEP 501 Office May Require Confirmation of Signature AuthenticityMPEP 501Permitted Matters for Different USPTO Branches Must Be in Separate PapersMPEP 501Required Distinct Subjects Must Be Filed SeparatelyMPEP 501Permitted
MPEP § 502.01	Types of Correspondence Permitted by FacsimileMPEP 502.01Permitted Prohibited Situations for Facsimile TransmissionsMPEP 502.01Prohibited Originals Must Be Submitted Where SpecifiedMPEP 502.01Required Notification for Prohibited FacsimilesMPEP 502.01Permitted
MPEP § 502.02	S-Signature and Handwritten Signatures Allowed for FilingsMPEP 502.02Permitted Graphic Signature Allowed for FilingMPEP 502.02Permitted All Correspondence Except Appeal Requires SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Handwritten Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02Permitted Original Handwritten Signature RequirementMPEP 502.02 Dark Ink or Equivalent for Handwritten Signatures AllowedMPEP 502.02 Dark Ink Required for Legible ScansMPEP 502.02Required Copies of Correspondence May Be FiledMPEP 502.02Permitted Copies of Amendments and Declarations May Be FiledMPEP 502.02Permitted Copies of Copies AllowedMPEP 502.02Permitted Handwritten Signatures for Correspondence AllowedMPEP 502.02Permitted Original Signature Required for CopiesMPEP 502.02Recommended Requirement for Submitting Original SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted All Handwritten Signatures CoveredMPEP 502.02 Handwritten Signatures Must Be Dark and PermanentMPEP 502.02 Scanned Image of Handwritten Signature Permitted for USPTO FilingMPEP 502.02Permitted Typewriter Applied Signatures Not HandwrittenMPEP 502.02 Typewriter Applied Signature RequirementMPEP 502.02Required Handwritten Signature Must Be Truly HandwrittenMPEP 502.02Prohibited Graphic Representation of Handwritten Signature Required for FilingMPEP 502.02 Signature Must Include Design StatusMPEP 502.02Required S-Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Format RequirementMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Requirement for CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02 S-Signature for Patent CorrespondenceMPEP 502.02Permitted Email Filings Not Authorized by S-Signature RuleMPEP 502.02 Handwritten Signature as Electronic Image RequirementMPEP 502.02Required S-Signature Must Consist of Letters, Numbers, and PunctuationMPEP 502.02Required S-Signature Must Include Letters and NumeralsMPEP 502.02 Non-Text Graphic Characters Prohibited in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted S-Signature Can Include Letters and NumbersMPEP 502.02Permitted S-Signature Must Be Inserted Between Forward SlashesMPEP 502.02Required No Additional Forward Slashes Allowed In S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted S-Signature Must Be Between Forward SlashesMPEP 502.02 Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Punctuation Marks Allowed in S-SignaturesMPEP 502.02 Punctuation Marks Allowed in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Punctuation Marks Not Permitted Without Letters Or Numbers In S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Improper S-Signature Using Only PunctuationMPEP 502.02Permitted Script Fonts Prohibited Except for S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Typed Name Must Be Placed Between SlashesMPEP 502.02Required Who Can Insert S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Person Must Insert Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Signer Must Type Own SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Practitioner Must Sign Own DocumentMPEP 502.02 Practitioner May Direct Keyboard Input for S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Commercial Signing System for Electronic FilingsMPEP 502.02Permitted S-Signature Not Required for Paper DocumentsMPEP 502.02 Same S-Signature Must Be Used ConsistentlyMPEP 502.02Recommended Signer Must Verify Identity Indicia ConsistencyMPEP 502.02Recommended Prohibition on Using Another's S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted S-Signature Must Include Full NameMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Requirement for Non-Name SignaturesMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Requirement for TitlesMPEP 502.02Required Registration Number Must Be Adjacent to S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Hash Before Registration Number in S-SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate StatusMPEP 502.02Required Registration Number Not Required for Practitioner Signing as ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required Patent Practitioner Must Provide Registration Number for Juristic Entity ApplicantMPEP 502.02Required Registration Not Required for Pre-AIA Applicants and AssigneesMPEP 502.02Required Signer’s Name Must Be Printed or Typed Adjacent to SignatureMPEP 502.02Required Printed Name Must Be Applied to DocumentMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Name Can Precede or Follow SignatureMPEP 502.02Permitted S-signer Name Must Be Printed or TypedMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Graphic Representation Required for Electronic FilingMPEP 502.02 Presentation of Paper Constitutes CertificationMPEP 502.02 Certification for Another's Signature RequiredMPEP 502.02 Requirement for Practitioner to Email Declaration to InventorMPEP 502.02 Retain Evidence of Inventor SignatureMPEP 502.02Recommended Person Inserting Signature Must Certify It Is Their OwnMPEP 502.02 Requester May Face Sanctions for Inappropriate Signature InsertionMPEP 502.02Permitted Sanctions for Signature MisrepresentationsMPEP 502.02Permitted Office May Inquire About Signer’s IdentityMPEP 502.02Permitted Confirmation of S-Signature Required When Name MismatchMPEP 502.02Required Consistent Use of Signatures RequiredMPEP 502.02Recommended Confirmation of Signatures Required When UnclearMPEP 502.02Permitted Signature Confirmation Required for VariationsMPEP 502.02 Confirmation of Noncompliant Signatures RequiredMPEP 502.02Recommended Resubmission of Signed Document RequiredMPEP 502.02Permitted Resubmission Required for Poor Signature QualityMPEP 502.02Required Name Change Must Be Requested Under 37 CFR 1.48(f)MPEP 502.02Required Evidence Required for Signature AuthenticityMPEP 502.02Permitted Chain of Custody for Document AuthenticityMPEP 502.02Permitted Chain of Custody for Document AuthenticityMPEP 502.02 Ratification Required for Doubtful SignaturesMPEP 502.02Permitted Ratification Required for Proper SignerMPEP 502.02 Practitioner Can Ratify Their Signature But Not a Secretary’sMPEP 502.02Permitted Registered Practitioner Cannot Ratify Inventor's SignatureMPEP 502.02Prohibited Inadvertent Typo as Bona Fide Signature AttemptMPEP 502.02 Obvious Typographical Error RequirementMPEP 502.02Required Inadvertent S-Signature Failure Is Not BindingMPEP 502.02 S-Signature Format RequirementMPEP 502.02Prohibited Resubmission of Same S-Signature Not Permitted After RequirementMPEP 502.02Required Certified Copies Must Be Originals Not PhotocopiesMPEP 502.02 Requirement for Foreign Priority Documents from PDXMPEP 502.02Permitted Certifications Not Requiring OriginalsMPEP 502.02Required
MPEP § 502.03	Use PTO/SB/439 for Internet CommunicationsMPEP 502.03 Requirement for Internet Communications Authorized or WithdrawnMPEP 502.03Permitted Internet Authorization Must Be on Separate PaperMPEP 502.03Required Separate Paper for Internet Communications AuthorizationMPEP 502.03
MPEP § 502.04	Multiple Copies May Delay ProcessingMPEP 502.04Permitted Office May Discard Duplicate CorrespondenceMPEP 502.04Permitted
MPEP § 502.05	Signatures Required for Amendments and Other PapersMPEP 502.05Required Follow-On Document Must Identify Application DetailsMPEP 502.05Required Signatures Required for EFS-Web SubmissionsMPEP 502.05Required Registered Users May Access but Not File Without All SignaturesMPEP 502.05Prohibited Sponsor Can File Signed Docs Via EFS-WebMPEP 502.05Permitted Sponsored Support Staff Not Responsible for Document ContentsMPEP 502.05 Signer Responsible for EFS-Web SubmissionsMPEP 502.05 Documents Must Be Signed by Applicant or PractitionerMPEP 502.05Permitted Sponsored Support Staff May Submit Signed Docs Electronically Under Practitioner’s DirectionMPEP 502.05Permitted Ink Signed Documents Can Be E-FiledMPEP 502.05Permitted Sponsored Support Staff May View and Retrieve Documents from Private PAIRMPEP 502.05Permitted Signatures Must Meet EFS-Web RequirementsMPEP 502.05 S-Signature or Handwritten Signature Required for EFS-Web PDF SubmissionsMPEP 502.05Permitted Signature Requirement for EFS-Web CorrespondenceMPEP 502.05Required Signed Transmittal Form Required for EFS-Web FilingsMPEP 502.05Required Correspondence Address Must Be Clearly Stated and SignedMPEP 502.05Required Presentation to USPTO Constitutes CertificationMPEP 502.05
MPEP § 509.03	Assertion of Small Entity Status Contains CertificationMPEP 509.03Required Fees as Small Entity After Status EstablishedMPEP 509.03Permitted Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03 Notification Required Before Paying Issue FeeMPEP 509.03Required Notification Requirement for Lost Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03 Inventor Can Assert Small Entity Status Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03Permitted Inventor Can Assert Small Entity Status Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03 Written Assertion for Small Entity Status Permitted Without Executed OathMPEP 509.03 Individuals Can Assert Small Entity Status as InventorsMPEP 509.03 Actual Inventors Must Be Named for Small Entity StatusMPEP 509.03Prohibited
MPEP § 509.03(a)	Payment of Small Entity Fee Invokes Self-CertificationMPEP 509.03(a)
MPEP § 602	Copy of Oath Must Be FiledMPEP 602 Original Oath or Declaration Required for AuthenticityMPEP 602Recommended Original Oath or Declaration Required If Authenticity QuestionedMPEP 602Permitted
MPEP § 609.07	Electronic Signature for Patent Center Submissions PermittedMPEP 609.07Permitted
MPEP § 710.02(e)	Extension of Time Must Be Filed in Correct ApplicationMPEP 710.02(e)Required
MPEP § 713.01	Internet Authorization Must Be Submitted SeparatelyMPEP 713.01Required Internet Authorization Must Be Submitted SeparatelyMPEP 713.01
MPEP § 717.02(a)	Common Ownership Statement Requirement for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required Statement Required for Common Ownership ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited Statement Must Be Signed for Common Ownership ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required Statement Required for Joint Research Agreement ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required Statement Required for JRA ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Required Statement Must Be on Separate Sheet for JRA ExceptionMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited Statement Must Be Signed for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required Requirement for Joint Research Agreement StatementMPEP 717.02(a)Required Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Prohibited Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required Requirement for Supporting Evidence of Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(a)Required
MPEP § 717.02(b)	Names of Joint Research Agreement Parties Must Be DisclosedMPEP 717.02(b)Required Disclosure of Joint Research Agreement Parties RequiredMPEP 717.02(b) Disclosure of Joint Research Agreement Parties Required for Prior Art ExceptionMPEP 717.02(b)Required Statement Required for Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(b) Statement for Joint Research Agreement RequiredMPEP 717.02(b)Prohibited Requirement for Signed Statement on Joint Research AgreementMPEP 717.02(b)Required

Related Provisions

Based on MPEP Last Modified: 10/30/2024 08:50:22

37 CFR § 1.4 — Nature of correspondence and signature (MPEP Coverage Index) – BlueIron IP

37 CFR § 1.4 Nature of correspondence and signature

Summary

Official MPEP § 1.4 — Nature of correspondence and signature

1.4 Nature of correspondence and signature requirements.

Verbatim in MPEP

Required Actions

Key Interpretations

Topics

MPEP Coverage

Related Provisions