What are the requirements for inventor signatures on patent applications?

Inventor signatures on patent applications must meet specific requirements to be considered valid:

• The signature must be handwritten or an S-signature.
• The name in the signature must match the name on the application.
• For inventors with multiple surnames or given names, all names should be included in the signature.

The MPEP 602.08(b) states:

The signature of the inventor may be handwritten or an S-signature. See MPEP § 502.02, subsection II, and 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2). The name of each inventor should be printed or typed under the signature.

Additionally, for inventors with multiple names:

If the inventor has many given names, the Office will accept a signature including at least one given name and the family name.

Ensuring correct signatures is crucial for the validity of the patent application and to avoid potential issues during examination or enforcement.

To learn more:

• inventor signature
• handwritten signature
• S-signature
• multiple surnames
• given names