MPEP § 1820 — Signature of Applicant (Annotated Rules)

§1820 Signature of Applicant

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1820, 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.

Signature of Applicant

This section addresses Signature of Applicant. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.4(d), 37 CFR 1.34, and 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1). Contains: 3 requirements, 1 guidance statement, 1 permission, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Request Content and Form

5 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-6cd5f8b2d7683afc5a6d18e2]
Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i)
Note:
Under PCT Rule 26.2bis, a single applicant's signature is sufficient for compliance with PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i), even if there are multiple applicants.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 4.15, the international application must be signed in Box No. X of the request by the applicant, or, where there are two or more applicants, by all of them. However, under PCT Rule 26.2bis, it is sufficient for purposes of PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) that the application is signed by only one of the applicants. The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation to applicants to furnish missing signatures where the request is signed by at least one of the applicants. Notwithstanding PCT Rule 26.2bis, any designated/elected office, in accordance with its national law, can still require confirmation of the international application by the signature of any applicant for such designated state who has not signed the request. PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d), the request filed may be either an original, or a copy thereof.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)Request Content and FormSignature RequirementsPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-7146659378f9085c98e29af3]
Request May Be Original or Copy
Note:
The request filed for an international application can be either the original document or a copy thereof.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 4.15, the international application must be signed in Box No. X of the request by the applicant, or, where there are two or more applicants, by all of them. However, under PCT Rule 26.2bis, it is sufficient for purposes of PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) that the application is signed by only one of the applicants. The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation to applicants to furnish missing signatures where the request is signed by at least one of the applicants. Notwithstanding PCT Rule 26.2bis, any designated/elected office, in accordance with its national law, can still require confirmation of the international application by the signature of any applicant for such designated state who has not signed the request. PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d), the request filed may be either an original, or a copy thereof.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)Request Content and FormPCT Request FormNationals and Residents
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-97c5a28294d3c16b10c7d020]
Proof Required for Legal Entity Signatory
Note:
The rule requires proof that a person has authority to sign on behalf of a legal entity, which can be demonstrated through board resolutions, bylaws, or delegation papers.

Proof that a person has the authority to sign on behalf of a legal entity may take the form of a copy of a resolution of the board of directors, a provision of the bylaws, or a copy of a paper properly delegating authority to that person to sign the international application on behalf of the legal entity.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormSignature RequirementsPCT Request Form
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-60ef2883a119c5944869b2f5]
Empowered Signatory Requirement for Legal Entity
Note:
A person must submit a statement, separate from the Request form, declaring they are authorized to sign on behalf of a legal entity.

It is acceptable to have a person sign the international application on behalf of a legal entity if that person submits a statement that the person has the authority to sign the international application on behalf of the legal entity. This statement should be on a separate paper and must not appear on the Request (or Demand) form itself. The statement must include a clause such as “The undersigned (whose title is supplied below) is empowered to sign the Request on behalf of the applicant.”

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormSignature RequirementsPCT Request Form
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-7d437ace6f0308ccd2738e68]
Signature Not Required for International Application Request
Note:
An international application can be filed without the applicant’s signature on the request, which is a correctable defect under PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) and (b).

The international application can be filed without applicant’s signature on the request. The lack of any required signature on the request is a correctable defect under PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) and (b), and can be remedied by filing a copy of the request (or, where the request has been signed by an agent, of a power of attorney) duly signed by the applicant within the time limit fixed by the receiving Office for the correction of this defect.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormSignature RequirementsPOA Form Requirements
Topic

Testimony Request Procedures

5 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1820-9164a95e868fcfae4b27cc9d]
Signature Must Indicate Person and Capacity
Note:
A person signing on behalf of a legal entity must indicate their name and the capacity in which they sign. Proof of authority is required if not presumed from title.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourceTestimony Request ProceduresPTAB JurisdictionUSPTO Employee Testimony
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-1241a3301bbd5b7277edd158]
Proof of Authority to Sign Required for Non-Officer Signatories
Note:
If a person signing on behalf of a legal entity does not have apparent authority, proof of their authorization must be provided.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourceTestimony Request ProceduresPTAB JurisdictionUSPTO Employee Testimony
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-2cd14abbf24ae903e417753b]
Officer Signature Presumed Valid for Organizations
Note:
An officer of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign documents on behalf of the organization, unless otherwise specified.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourceTestimony Request ProceduresPTAB JurisdictionUSPTO Employee Testimony
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-b4dd3b100214cdaf0bc2e5f4]
Manager or Director Title Acceptable for Foreign Applicants
Note:
A person with a title of manager or director can sign on behalf of a foreign organization, even if it does not clearly indicate officer status.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourceTestimony Request ProceduresUSPTO Employee TestimonyPTAB Jurisdiction
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-b8802c4d2a4c37fcbae62278]
Attorney Does Not Generally Have Authority to Sign for an Organization
Note:
An attorney is not presumed to have authority to sign documents on behalf of a legal entity without explicit authorization.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourceTestimony Request ProceduresPTAB JurisdictionUSPTO Employee Testimony
Topic

Signature Requirements

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-3db3e58a532d194cc09bb422]
All Applicants Must Sign Request
Note:
The request must be signed by each applicant if there is more than one.

The request shall be signed by the applicant or, if there is more than one applicant, by all of them.

Jump to MPEP SourceSignature Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-34aa9556fe84435ca06d19fd]
Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for Multiple Applicants
Note:
If there are multiple applicants, a single signature on the request is sufficient to meet the requirement.

(a) For the purposes of Article 14(1)(a)(i), if there is more than one applicant, it shall be sufficient that the request be signed by one of them.

Jump to MPEP SourceSignature Requirements
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-0c82bd464c01efd24f357c23]
Agent May Sign International Application
Note:
An agent may sign an international patent application, and the patent practitioner must include their registration number.

The international application may be signed by an agent. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.34, a patent practitioner acting in a representative capacity must set forth his or her registration number on submitted papers.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Signature RequirementsRegistration Number on SignaturePractitioner Signature and Certification
Topic

Nationals and Residents

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-4517eb26698b1312729e7e0f]
Request Must Be Signed by At Least One Applicant
Note:
The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation for missing signatures if the request is signed by at least one of the applicants.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 4.15, the international application must be signed in Box No. X of the request by the applicant, or, where there are two or more applicants, by all of them. However, under PCT Rule 26.2bis, it is sufficient for purposes of PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) that the application is signed by only one of the applicants. The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation to applicants to furnish missing signatures where the request is signed by at least one of the applicants. Notwithstanding PCT Rule 26.2bis, any designated/elected office, in accordance with its national law, can still require confirmation of the international application by the signature of any applicant for such designated state who has not signed the request. PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d), the request filed may be either an original, or a copy thereof.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Request Content and Form
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-ec6f3e92df8e2e54b753d36a]
Signature from Designated State Applicant Required
Note:
Any designated/elected office can still require a signature from an applicant who did not sign the request, in accordance with its national law.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 4.15, the international application must be signed in Box No. X of the request by the applicant, or, where there are two or more applicants, by all of them. However, under PCT Rule 26.2bis, it is sufficient for purposes of PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) that the application is signed by only one of the applicants. The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation to applicants to furnish missing signatures where the request is signed by at least one of the applicants. Notwithstanding PCT Rule 26.2bis, any designated/elected office, in accordance with its national law, can still require confirmation of the international application by the signature of any applicant for such designated state who has not signed the request. PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d), the request filed may be either an original, or a copy thereof.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)Request Content and Form
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-bc2e03413c3422dcb392eab3]
Handwritten and S-Signature Requirements for International Applications
Note:
The United States Receiving Office accepts handwritten signatures with the signer's name indicated nearby, or S-signatures with the signer’s name and registration number presented below or adjacent to it.

The United States Receiving Office will accept signatures meeting the requirements of either 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) with respect to handwritten signatures or 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2) with respect to S-signatures. For handwritten signatures, the name of each person signing the international application should be indicated (preferably typewritten) next to the signature. For S-signatures, the signer’s name must be presented in printed or typed form preferably immediately below or adjacent the S-signature, and must be reasonably specific enough so that the identity of the signer can be readily recognized. See MPEP § 502.02, subsection II. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2)(ii), a patent practitioner using an S-signature must supply his or her registration number either as part of the S-signature, or immediately below or adjacent to the S-signature.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1)Nationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application Filing
Topic

Receiving Office (RO/US)

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-7d766afe7be0a6e25e1b05a1]
Indications Required for One Applicant Only
Note:
If there are multiple applicants, providing the required indications under Rule 4.5(a)(ii) and (iii) is sufficient if one applicant meets the criteria to file with the receiving Office as per Rule 19.1.

(b) For the purposes of Article 14(1)(a)(ii), if there is more than one applicant, it shall be sufficient that the indications required under Rule 4.5(a)(ii) and (iii) be provided in respect of one of them who is entitled according to Rule 19.1 to file the international application with the receiving Office.

Jump to MPEP SourceReceiving Office (RO/US)PCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-df72510e55f2339bd52d6115]
Missing Request Signature Correctable Under PCT Article 14(1)(a)
Note:
The lack of a required signature on the request can be corrected by filing a signed copy within the time limit set by the receiving office.

The international application can be filed without applicant’s signature on the request. The lack of any required signature on the request is a correctable defect under PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) and (b), and can be remedied by filing a copy of the request (or, where the request has been signed by an agent, of a power of attorney) duly signed by the applicant within the time limit fixed by the receiving Office for the correction of this defect.

Jump to MPEP SourceReceiving Office (RO/US)Request Content and FormSignature Requirements
Topic

Power of Attorney Requirements

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1820-a90967e5452c3f517f493cfb]
Waiver of Separate Power of Attorney Requirement
Note:
The United States Receiving Office may waive the requirement for submitting a separate power of attorney in most cases.

The requirement for the submission of a separate power of attorney may be waived by the receiving Office. The United States Receiving Office will, in most cases, waive the requirement for a separate power of attorney. See MPEP § 1807.

Jump to MPEP SourcePower of Attorney RequirementsPower of Attorney
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-ccebd3eb122aef3d5221988f]
Waiver of Separate Power of Attorney Requirement
Note:
The United States Receiving Office will typically waive the need for a separate power of attorney, as per MPEP § 1807.

The requirement for the submission of a separate power of attorney may be waived by the receiving Office. The United States Receiving Office will, in most cases, waive the requirement for a separate power of attorney. See MPEP § 1807.

Jump to MPEP SourcePower of Attorney RequirementsPower of Attorney
Topic

Signature Requirements

2 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1820-94420a4ea60632aa48bc46e8]
Name Next to Handwritten Signature Required
Note:
Each person signing the international application must indicate their name next to their handwritten signature.

The United States Receiving Office will accept signatures meeting the requirements of either 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) with respect to handwritten signatures or 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2) with respect to S-signatures. For handwritten signatures, the name of each person signing the international application should be indicated (preferably typewritten) next to the signature. For S-signatures, the signer’s name must be presented in printed or typed form preferably immediately below or adjacent the S-signature, and must be reasonably specific enough so that the identity of the signer can be readily recognized. See MPEP § 502.02, subsection II. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2)(ii), a patent practitioner using an S-signature must supply his or her registration number either as part of the S-signature, or immediately below or adjacent to the S-signature.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1)Signature RequirementsPCT International Application FilingPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-c828bd1215f4fe13b6f96dd0]
Person Can Sign for Legal Entity With Authority Statement
Note:
A person can sign an international application on behalf of a legal entity if they submit a statement declaring their authority to do so.

It is acceptable to have a person sign the international application on behalf of a legal entity if that person submits a statement that the person has the authority to sign the international application on behalf of the legal entity. This statement should be on a separate paper and must not appear on the Request (or Demand) form itself. The statement must include a clause such as “The undersigned (whose title is supplied below) is empowered to sign the Request on behalf of the applicant.”

Jump to MPEP SourceSignature RequirementsPatent Cooperation TreatyArticle 34 Amendments
Topic

S-Signature Format Requirements

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-9895dc30283724fb99b22fb5]
Signer’s Name Must Be Presented Adjacent to S-Signature
Note:
The signer's name must be printed or typed and placed next to the S-signature for easy identification.

The United States Receiving Office will accept signatures meeting the requirements of either 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) with respect to handwritten signatures or 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2) with respect to S-signatures. For handwritten signatures, the name of each person signing the international application should be indicated (preferably typewritten) next to the signature. For S-signatures, the signer’s name must be presented in printed or typed form preferably immediately below or adjacent the S-signature, and must be reasonably specific enough so that the identity of the signer can be readily recognized. See MPEP § 502.02, subsection II. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2)(ii), a patent practitioner using an S-signature must supply his or her registration number either as part of the S-signature, or immediately below or adjacent to the S-signature.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1)S-Signature Format RequirementsRequest Content and FormSignature Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-06a4b8dcecc8f876ee748878]
Patent Practitioner Registration Number Required for S-Signature
Note:
A patent practitioner using an S-signature must include their registration number either as part of the signature or immediately below it.

The United States Receiving Office will accept signatures meeting the requirements of either 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) with respect to handwritten signatures or 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2) with respect to S-signatures. For handwritten signatures, the name of each person signing the international application should be indicated (preferably typewritten) next to the signature. For S-signatures, the signer’s name must be presented in printed or typed form preferably immediately below or adjacent the S-signature, and must be reasonably specific enough so that the identity of the signer can be readily recognized. See MPEP § 502.02, subsection II. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2)(ii), a patent practitioner using an S-signature must supply his or her registration number either as part of the S-signature, or immediately below or adjacent to the S-signature.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1)S-Signature Format RequirementsSignature RequirementsRegistration Number on Signature
Topic

Patent Cooperation Treaty

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-64e7535ada2b99034c0d6f33]
Signature of Applicant Required for International Application
Note:
The international application must be signed by at least one applicant, with the United States Receiving Office not requiring additional signatures beyond this minimum.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 4.15, the international application must be signed in Box No. X of the request by the applicant, or, where there are two or more applicants, by all of them. However, under PCT Rule 26.2bis, it is sufficient for purposes of PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) that the application is signed by only one of the applicants. The United States Receiving Office will not issue an invitation to applicants to furnish missing signatures where the request is signed by at least one of the applicants. Notwithstanding PCT Rule 26.2bis, any designated/elected office, in accordance with its national law, can still require confirmation of the international application by the signature of any applicant for such designated state who has not signed the request. PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi). Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.4(d), the request filed may be either an original, or a copy thereof.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.4(d)Patent Cooperation TreatyNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Registration Number on Signature

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1820-660769185fe07cc7524a2958]
Patent Practitioner Must Include Registration Number on Submissions
Note:
A patent practitioner acting in a representative capacity must include their registration number on all submitted papers.

The international application may be signed by an agent. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.34, a patent practitioner acting in a representative capacity must set forth his or her registration number on submitted papers.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Registration Number on SignaturePractitioner Signature and CertificationSignature Requirements
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1820-a789e6f71ebc998c29b52304]
Chairman's Signature Acceptable for Legal Entities
Note:
The signature of the chairman of the board is acceptable for signing on behalf of a legal entity, provided it is not an individual director.

Where a person signs on behalf of a legal entity (an organization such as a corporation, university, nonprofit organization, or governmental agency), his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs should be indicated. Proof of the person’s authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity will be required if that person does not possess apparent authority to sign on behalf of the legal entity and that person has not submitted a statement that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the legal entity (discussed below). An officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer) of an organization is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of that organization. The signature of the chairman of the board is also acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director. Variations of these titles (such as vice-president for sales, executive vice-president, assistant treasurer, vice-chairman of the board of directors) are acceptable. In general, a person having a title (manager, director, administrator, general counsel) that does not clearly set forth that person as an officer of the organization is not presumed to be an officer or to have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization. However, an exception is made with respect to foreign juristic applicants. This is because in foreign countries, a person who holds the title “Manager” or “Director” is normally an officer or the equivalent thereof; therefore, those terms are generally acceptable as indicating proper persons to sign applications for foreign applicants. However, titles such as “Manager of Patents,” suggesting narrowly limited duties, are not acceptable. An attorney does not generally have apparent authority to sign on behalf of an organization.

Jump to MPEP SourcePTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresTestimony Request Procedures
Topic

Article 34 Amendments

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-1820-3ec80b7ee292bb364cb66249]
Person May Sign for Legal Entity on Separate Paper
Note:
A person may sign an international application on behalf of a legal entity if they submit a statement confirming their authority, which must be on a separate paper and not included in the Request form.

It is acceptable to have a person sign the international application on behalf of a legal entity if that person submits a statement that the person has the authority to sign the international application on behalf of the legal entity. This statement should be on a separate paper and must not appear on the Request (or Demand) form itself. The statement must include a clause such as “The undersigned (whose title is supplied below) is empowered to sign the Request on behalf of the applicant.”

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 34 AmendmentsDemand for Preliminary ExaminationRequest Content and Form

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Registration Number on Signature
Signature Requirements
37 CFR § 1.34
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Request Content and Form
37 CFR § 1.4(d)
Nationals and Residents
S-Signature Format Requirements
Signature Requirements
37 CFR § 1.4(d)(1)
Nationals and Residents
S-Signature Format Requirements
Signature Requirements
37 CFR § 1.4(d)(2)
Nationals and Residents
S-Signature Format Requirements
Signature Requirements
37 CFR § 1.4(d)(2)(ii)
Power of Attorney RequirementsMPEP § 1807
Nationals and Residents
S-Signature Format Requirements
Signature Requirements
MPEP § 502.02
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Receiving Office (RO/US)
Request Content and Form
PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i)
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Request Content and Form
PCT Rule 26.2
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Request Content and Form
PCT Rule 4.15
Nationals and Residents
Patent Cooperation Treaty
Request Content and Form
PCT Rule 51bis.1(a)(vi)

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