MPEP § 302.07 — Assignment Document Must Be Accompanied by a Cover Sheet (Annotated Rules)

§302.07 Assignment Document Must Be Accompanied by a Cover Sheet

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 302.07, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Assignment Document Must Be Accompanied by a Cover Sheet

This section addresses Assignment Document Must Be Accompanied by a Cover Sheet. Primary authority: 37 CFR 3.31, 37 CFR 3.51, and 37 CFR 3.28. Contains: 12 requirements, 1 guidance statement, 1 permission, and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)

18 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-b81e0385a974be16ea99695d]
Patent and Trademark Cover Sheet Requirements
Note:
Each patent or trademark cover sheet must include the names of parties, addresses, interest descriptions, identification numbers, correspondence details, execution date, signatures, and additional information for trademark assignments.
(a) Each patent or trademark cover sheet required by § 3.28 must contain:
  • (1) The name of the party conveying the interest;
  • (2) The name and address of the party receiving the interest;
  • (3) A description of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded;
  • (4) Identification of the interests involved:
    • (i) For trademark assignments and trademark name changes: Each trademark registration number and each trademark application number, if known, against which the Office is to record the document. If the trademark application number is not known, a copy of the application or a reproduction of the trademark must be submitted, along with an estimate of the date that the Office received the application; or
    • (ii) For any other document affecting title to a trademark or patent application, registration or patent: Each trademark or patent application number or each trademark registration number or patent against which the document is to be recorded, or an indication that the document is filed together with a patent application;
  • (5) The name and address of the party to whom correspondence concerning the request to record the document should be mailed;
  • (6) The date the document was executed;
  • (7) The signature of the party submitting the document. For an assignment document or name change filed electronically, the person who signs the cover sheet must either:
    • (i) Place a symbol comprised of letters, numbers, and/or punctuation marks between forward slash marks (e.g., /Thomas O’Malley III/) in the signature block on the electronic submission; or
    • (ii) Sign the cover sheet using some other form of electronic signature specified by the Director.
  • (8) For trademark assignments, the entity and citizenship of the party receiving the interest. In addition, if the party receiving the interest is a domestic partnership or domestic joint venture, the cover sheet must set forth the names, legal entities, and national citizenship (or the state or country of organization) of all general partners or active members that compose the partnership or joint venture.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-e1fce659aad824e4478d0e29]
Cover Sheet Must List Partnership Members
Note:
The cover sheet for a trademark assignment must include the names, legal entities, and national citizenship of all general partners in a domestic partnership or joint venture.

(a) Each patent or trademark cover sheet required by § 3.28 must contain:

In addition, if the party receiving the interest is a domestic partnership or domestic joint venture, the cover sheet must set forth the names, legal entities, and national citizenship (or the state or country of organization) of all general partners or active members that compose the partnership or joint venture.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-302-07-48bf988e4085dfbc27fd9f86]
Cover Sheet Must Not Mention Both Patents and Trademarks
Note:
A cover sheet for recording a document against a trademark application or registration must not include information about pending patent applications.

(b) A cover sheet should not refer to both patents and trademarks, since any information, including information about pending patent applications, submitted with a request for recordation of a document against a trademark application or trademark registration will become public record upon recordation.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-3c9ba7a7be20bb7793696d7d]
Government Interest Cover Sheet Requirement
Note:
Each patent cover sheet must indicate a government interest and, if applicable, that the document does not affect title.
(c) Each patent cover sheet required by § 3.28 seeking to record a governmental interest as provided by § 3.11(b) must:
  • (1) Indicate that the document relates to a Government interest; and
  • (2) Indicate, if applicable, that the document to be recorded is not a document affecting title (see § 3.41(b)).
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-54ad9954f73e06e06ea2eac6]
Cover Sheet for Recording Documents Against Trademark
Note:
A cover sheet must include the serial number or registration number, and identification or description of the trademark when recording a document against a trademark application or registration.

(d) Each trademark cover sheet required by § 3.28 seeking to record a document against a trademark application or registration should include, in addition to the serial number or registration number of the trademark, identification of the trademark or a description of the trademark, against which the Office is to record the document.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-e05bc3bcb0d0dbb5a373f329]
Cover Sheet Must Include Application Count and Fee
Note:
The cover sheet for patent or trademark applications must list the number of identified applications, patents, or registrations and the total fee.

(e) Each patent or trademark cover sheet required by § 3.28 should contain the number of applications, patents or registrations identified in the cover sheet and the total fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-302-07-c15f34c3547f3ab7ecdbb6b1]
Cover Sheet Must Include Conveying Party's Citizenship
Note:
Each trademark cover sheet must include the citizenship of the party conveying the interest in the assignment document.

(f) Each trademark cover sheet should include the citizenship of the party conveying the interest.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-b8e6f198f9a764bbdeee1ff5]
Joint Research Agreement Cover Sheet Requirements
Note:
The cover sheet must identify the document as a joint research agreement, specify the owner of the application or patent, list all other parties involved, and indicate the execution date.
(g) The cover sheet required by § 3.28 seeking to record a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement as provided by § 3.11(c) must:
  • (1) Identify the document as a “joint research agreement” (in the space provided for the description of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded if using an Office-provided form);
  • (2) Indicate the name of the owner of the application or patent (in the space provided for the name and address of the party receiving the interest if using an Office-provided form);
  • (3) Indicate the name of each other party to the joint research agreement party (in the space provided for the name of the party conveying the interest if using an Office-provided form); and
  • (4) Indicate the date the joint research agreement was executed.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Settlement of Contested CaseCover Sheet Content Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-b04a5e837f40c134e8167571]
Assignment Cover Sheet Requirement for Patent Documents
Note:
The assignment cover sheet required by §3.28 can be satisfied with specific forms unless the assignment is also an oath or declaration under §1.63.

(h) The assignment cover sheet required by § 3.28 for a patent application or patent will be satisfied by the Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of Change in Applicant or Owner Form, Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of a License/ Cancellation of the Recordation of a License Form, Patent Law Treaty Model Certificate of Transfer Form or Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of a Security Interest/ Cancellation of the Recordation of a Security Interest Form, as applicable, except where the assignment is also an oath or declaration under § 1.63 of this chapter. An assignment cover sheet required by § 3.28 must contain a conspicuous indication of an intent to utilize the assignment as an oath or declaration under § 1.63 of this chapter.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-74eb5fca60761d704ddd6737]
Assignment Cover Sheet Must Indicate Oath/Declaration Intent
Note:
The assignment cover sheet must include a clear indication that it is intended to be used as an oath or declaration under §1.63 of this chapter.

(h) The assignment cover sheet required by § 3.28 for a patent application or patent will be satisfied by the Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of Change in Applicant or Owner Form, Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of a License/ Cancellation of the Recordation of a License Form, Patent Law Treaty Model Certificate of Transfer Form or Patent Law Treaty Model International Request for Recordation of a Security Interest/ Cancellation of the Recordation of a Security Interest Form, as applicable, except where the assignment is also an oath or declaration under § 1.63 of this chapter. An assignment cover sheet required by § 3.28 must contain a conspicuous indication of an intent to utilize the assignment as an oath or declaration under § 1.63 of this chapter.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-803a37e8fd1f0da1cc58863a]
Patent Assignment Cover Sheet Required
Note:
Each assignment document for patents or patent applications must include a cover sheet with specific details as required by 37 CFR 3.28.
Each assignment document submitted to the Office for recording must be accompanied by a cover sheet as required by 37 CFR 3.28. The cover sheet for patents or patent applications must contain:
  • (A) The name of the party conveying the interest;
  • (B) The name and address of the party receiving the interest;
  • (C) A description of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded;
  • (D) Each patent application number or patent number against which the document is to be recorded, or an indication that the document is filed together with a patent application;
  • (E) The name and address of the party to whom correspondence concerning the request to record the document should be mailed;
  • (F) The date the document was executed; and
  • (G) The signature of the party submitting the document.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)Cover Sheet Content Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-27a0986df0712c7d44406109]
Cover Sheet Required for Joint Research Agreements
Note:
A cover sheet must clearly identify a joint research agreement and specify the date, owners, and other parties involved.

If the document submitted for recordation is a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement, the cover sheet must clearly identify the document as a "joint research agreement" (in the space provided for the description of the interest conveyed if using Form PTO-1595). The date the joint research agreement was executed must also be identified. The cover sheet must also identify the name(s) of the owner(s) of the application or patent (in the space provided for the name and address of the party receiving the interest if using Form PTO-1595). The name(s) of every other party(ies) to the joint research agreement must also be identified (in the space provided for the name of the party conveying the interest if using Form PTO-1595).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Settlement of Contested CaseCover Sheet Content Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-34cdc31e34feb5f0871e5900]
Owner Identification Required on Cover Sheet
Note:
The cover sheet must identify the owner(s) of the application or patent and any other parties to a joint research agreement.

If the document submitted for recordation is a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement, the cover sheet must clearly identify the document as a "joint research agreement" (in the space provided for the description of the interest conveyed if using Form PTO-1595). The date the joint research agreement was executed must also be identified. The cover sheet must also identify the name(s) of the owner(s) of the application or patent (in the space provided for the name and address of the party receiving the interest if using Form PTO-1595). The name(s) of every other party(ies) to the joint research agreement must also be identified (in the space provided for the name of the party conveying the interest if using Form PTO-1595).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)PTAB Contested Case ProceduresCover Sheet Content Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-61b70f64237719fe6cb7dc03]
Cover Sheet Must Identify All Joint Research Agreement Parties
Note:
The cover sheet for a joint research agreement must list all parties involved in the agreement.

If the document submitted for recordation is a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement, the cover sheet must clearly identify the document as a "joint research agreement" (in the space provided for the description of the interest conveyed if using Form PTO-1595). The date the joint research agreement was executed must also be identified. The cover sheet must also identify the name(s) of the owner(s) of the application or patent (in the space provided for the name and address of the party receiving the interest if using Form PTO-1595). The name(s) of every other party(ies) to the joint research agreement must also be identified (in the space provided for the name of the party conveying the interest if using Form PTO-1595).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Settlement of Contested CasePTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-302-07-371ef03051a40cd4a513dfb6]
Cover Sheet Must Include Application Count and Fee
Note:
The cover sheet for patent applications must include the number of identified patents or applications and the total fee.

Each patent cover sheet should contain the number of patent applications or patents identified in the cover sheet and the total fee.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-302-07-12f226ed6588e899d2c1a686]
Cover Sheet Must Not Reference Trademarks
Note:
The patent cover sheet must not mention any trademark applications or registrations.

A patent cover sheet may not refer to trademark applications or registrations.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-302-07-141a78af9bc31783c7bdae53]
Cover Sheet Required for Patent Recording
Note:
A cover sheet must be used when recording documents related to patents and patent applications in the Office.

Form PTO-1595, Recordation Form Cover Sheet, may be used as the cover sheet for recording documents relating to patent(s) and/or patent application(s) in the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-302-07-e0bdfe3eba8de91a7d66a52a]
Cover Sheet Required for Patent Documents
Note:
Form PTO-1595 must be used as the cover sheet for recording documents related to patents and patent applications in the Office.

Form PTO-1595, Recordation Form Cover Sheet, may be used as the cover sheet for recording documents relating to patent(s) and/or patent application(s) in the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsRecording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
Topic

Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-7778b95c5066f283d88155ce]
Cover Sheet Required for Recorded Documents
Note:
Each document submitted to the Office for recording must include a cover sheet referring to patent applications, patents, trademark applications, or registrations involved.

Each document submitted to the Office for recording must include a single cover sheet (as specified in § 3.31) referring either to those patent applications and patents, or to those trademark applications and registrations, against which the document is to be recorded. If a document to be recorded includes interests in, or transactions involving, both patents and trademarks, then separate patent and trademark cover sheets, each accompanied by a copy of the document to be recorded, must be submitted. If a document to be recorded is not accompanied by a completed cover sheet, the document and the incomplete cover sheet will be returned pursuant to § 3.51 for proper completion, in which case the document and a completed cover sheet should be resubmitted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-6a30ec140d1d2b181a280737]
Separate Patent and Trademark Cover Sheets Required for Combined Documents
Note:
When a document involves both patents and trademarks, separate cover sheets must be submitted for each.

Each document submitted to the Office for recording must include a single cover sheet (as specified in § 3.31) referring either to those patent applications and patents, or to those trademark applications and registrations, against which the document is to be recorded. If a document to be recorded includes interests in, or transactions involving, both patents and trademarks, then separate patent and trademark cover sheets, each accompanied by a copy of the document to be recorded, must be submitted. If a document to be recorded is not accompanied by a completed cover sheet, the document and the incomplete cover sheet will be returned pursuant to § 3.51 for proper completion, in which case the document and a completed cover sheet should be resubmitted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-302-07-5c53c59255128bfb6f14bc13]
Document Must Include Completed Cover Sheet for Recording
Note:
A document to be recorded must include a completed cover sheet; otherwise, it and the incomplete cover sheet will be returned for proper completion.

Each document submitted to the Office for recording must include a single cover sheet (as specified in § 3.31) referring either to those patent applications and patents, or to those trademark applications and registrations, against which the document is to be recorded. If a document to be recorded includes interests in, or transactions involving, both patents and trademarks, then separate patent and trademark cover sheets, each accompanied by a copy of the document to be recorded, must be submitted. If a document to be recorded is not accompanied by a completed cover sheet, the document and the incomplete cover sheet will be returned pursuant to § 3.51 for proper completion, in which case the document and a completed cover sheet should be resubmitted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-1c232132f12dd07e13f02719]
Governmental Interest Cover Sheet Must Indicate Document Type
Note:
The cover sheet for recording a governmental interest must indicate that the document relates to a governmental interest and, if applicable, that it does not affect title.

Cover sheets required by 37 CFR 3.28 seeking to record a governmental interest must also (1) indicate that the document relates to a governmental interest and (2) indicate, if applicable, that the document to be recorded is not a document affecting title.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)Cover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
Topic

Cover Sheet Content Requirements

4 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-302-07-a0b04835f33e6157f2c6b5d6]
Entity and Citizenship for Trademark Assignments Must Be Listed
Note:
The cover sheet for trademark assignments must include the entity type and citizenship of the party receiving the interest. If it's a domestic partnership or joint venture, all general partners' details must also be provided.

(a) Each patent or trademark cover sheet required by § 3.28 must contain:

(8) For trademark assignments, the entity and citizenship of the party receiving the interest.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Recording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-302-07-4ec488c47e01394b5b8e9a9b]
Cover Sheet for Governmental Interest Must Not Affect Title
Note:
The cover sheet for recording a governmental interest must indicate that the document is not affecting title.

(c) Each patent cover sheet required by § 3.28 seeking to record a governmental interest as provided by § 3.11(b) must:

(2) Indicate, if applicable, that the document to be recorded is not a document affecting title (see § 3.41(b)).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Recording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-302-07-a4d100eb7dc54269d068bbb0]
Date Requirement for Joint Research Agreement
Note:
The cover sheet must indicate the date the joint research agreement was executed.

(g) The cover sheet required by § 3.28 seeking to record a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement as provided by § 3.11(c) must:

(4) Indicate the date the joint research agreement was executed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.28Cover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Recording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-302-07-3f8f0bd22744184ad10c49ed]
Cover Sheet Required for Assignment Documents
Note:
An assignment document must be accompanied by a cover sheet as specified in the regulations.
Examples of the type of descriptions of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded that can be identified are:
  • (A) assignment;
  • (B) security agreement;
  • (C) merger;
  • (D) change of name;
  • (E) license;
  • (F) foreclosure;
  • (G) lien;
  • (H) contract; and
  • (I) joint research agreement.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Cover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)Recording of Assignments (MPEP 302-303)
Topic

AIA Effective Dates

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-44ee6d4d903e3ecd11c6c84a]
Cover Sheet Required for Assignment as Oath/Declaration
Note:
For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, if the assignment document serves as an oath or declaration, a conspicuous indication must be included on the cover sheet.

For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, if the assignment document is also intended to serve as the required oath or declaration, the cover sheet must also contain a conspicuous indication of an intent to utilize the assignment as the required oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.63. See 37 CFR 3.31(h).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Effective DatesAIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
Topic

Settlement of Contested Case

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-302-07-8c8fe32dfa0e0f534e819dea]
Date of Joint Research Agreement Must Be Identified
Note:
The date the joint research agreement was executed must be clearly identified on the cover sheet.

If the document submitted for recordation is a joint research agreement or an excerpt of a joint research agreement, the cover sheet must clearly identify the document as a "joint research agreement" (in the space provided for the description of the interest conveyed if using Form PTO-1595). The date the joint research agreement was executed must also be identified. The cover sheet must also identify the name(s) of the owner(s) of the application or patent (in the space provided for the name and address of the party receiving the interest if using Form PTO-1595). The name(s) of every other party(ies) to the joint research agreement must also be identified (in the space provided for the name of the party conveying the interest if using Form PTO-1595).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 3.31Settlement of Contested CaseCover Sheet Content RequirementsCover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Effective Dates
Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
37 CFR § 1.63
Cover Sheet Content Requirements
Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
37 CFR § 3.11(b)
Cover Sheet Content Requirements
Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
37 CFR § 3.11(c)
Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)
Cover Sheet Content Requirements
Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
37 CFR § 3.28
Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)37 CFR § 3.31
AIA Effective Dates37 CFR § 3.31(h)
Cover Sheet Content Requirements
Cover Sheet Requirements (37 CFR 3.31)
37 CFR § 3.41(b)
Assignment and Ownership (MPEP Chapter 300)37 CFR § 3.51

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31