MPEP § 409.03(b) — No Inventor Available (Annotated Rules)

§409.03(b) No Inventor Available

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 409.03(b), 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.

No Inventor Available

This section addresses No Inventor Available. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 118, 35 U.S.C. 111(a), and 37 CFR 1.47(b). Contains: 8 requirements, 4 prohibitions, 1 guidance statement, 2 permissions, and 2 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice

5 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-b061da9ea435745525f0a3c0]
Application Can Be Filed When Inventor Is Unavailable
Note:
Filing under pre-AIA rules is permitted only when no inventor can be found or reached after diligent effort, or refuses to sign the application oath.

Filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 is permitted only when no inventor is available to make application. These provisions allow a “person” with a demonstrated proprietary interest to make application “on behalf of and as agent for” an inventor who “cannot be found or reached after diligent effort” or who refuses to sign the application oath or declaration. The word “person” has been construed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to include juristic entities, such as a corporation. Where pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) is available, application cannot be made under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-fdaeb4720c1ead034581bd2f]
Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) Precludes 1.47(b)
Note:
An application cannot be filed under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) when pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) is available.

Filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 is permitted only when no inventor is available to make application. These provisions allow a “person” with a demonstrated proprietary interest to make application “on behalf of and as agent for” an inventor who “cannot be found or reached after diligent effort” or who refuses to sign the application oath or declaration. The word “person” has been construed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to include juristic entities, such as a corporation. Where pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) is available, application cannot be made under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-a53ddaf62baeac0e03ba1f7c]
Requirements for Pre-AIA Application Deposits
Note:
An application deposited under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must include an oath or declaration, state the relationship to inventors, prove inventor availability, provide their address, demonstrate proprietary interest, and show necessity of filing.
In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:
  • (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).
  • (B) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must state his or her relationship to the inventor as required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.64.
  • (C) The application must be accompanied by proof that the inventor (1) cannot be found or reached after a diligent effort or (2) refuses to execute the application papers. See MPEP § 409.03(d).
  • (D) The last known address of the inventor must be stated. See MPEP § 409.03(e).
  • (E) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make out a prima facie case (1) that the invention has been assigned to him or her or (2) that the inventor has agreed in writing to assign the invention to him or her or (3) otherwise demonstrate a proprietary interest in the subject matter of the application. See MPEP § 409.03(f).
  • (F) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must prove that the filing of the application is necessary (1) to preserve the rights of the parties or (2) to prevent irreparable damage. See MPEP § 409.03(g).
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeCircumstances Requiring Substitute StatementContent of Substitute Statement
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-207a71e28cb5eea030cd60b1]
Application Must Prove Inventor Unavailable or Refusal to Sign
Note:
The application must provide proof that the inventor cannot be found or reached after a diligent effort, or refuses to execute the application papers.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:

(C) The application must be accompanied by proof that the inventor (1) cannot be found or reached after a diligent effort or (2) refuses to execute the application papers. See MPEP § 409.03(d).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-054a3f6f709d07246b0f2b90]
Last Known Address of Inventor Required
Note:
The application must include the last known address of the inventor as required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:

(D) The last known address of the inventor must be stated. See MPEP § 409.03(e).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements

5 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-8d4315a11b7f5183fed9b5be]
Agent Can File on Inventor's Behalf If Unavailable
Note:
Allows a person with a proprietary interest to file an application as an agent for an inventor who cannot be found or refuses to sign the oath after diligent effort.

Filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 is permitted only when no inventor is available to make application. These provisions allow a “person” with a demonstrated proprietary interest to make application “on behalf of and as agent for” an inventor who “cannot be found or reached after diligent effort” or who refuses to sign the application oath or declaration. The word “person” has been construed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to include juristic entities, such as a corporation. Where pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) is available, application cannot be made under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-44b8b169f2e04fd19426ef5c]
Corporation Can Make Application
Note:
A corporation can act as a person to make an application on behalf of an unavailable inventor according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's interpretation.

Filing under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) and pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 118 is permitted only when no inventor is available to make application. These provisions allow a “person” with a demonstrated proprietary interest to make application “on behalf of and as agent for” an inventor who “cannot be found or reached after diligent effort” or who refuses to sign the application oath or declaration. The word “person” has been construed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to include juristic entities, such as a corporation. Where pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(a) is available, application cannot be made under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-689a162ac46b8b8e4c78746c]
Corporate Officer May Authorize Attorney to Sign Oath/Declaration
Note:
A corporation can authorize an attorney registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature RequirementsAIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-ca17044be7debb3cb5e89944]
Requirement for Oath or Declaration by Registered Attorney or Agent on Behalf of Corporation
Note:
A registered attorney or agent signing an oath or declaration on behalf of a corporation must provide proof of authority from an appropriate corporate officer or simply state their authorization.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature RequirementsSignature Requirements
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-53c86b7e7eda405f9732eae0]
Inventor Cannot Authorize Agent to Sign Oath
Note:
An inventor is not allowed to authorize another individual to sign the application oath on their behalf.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature RequirementsAIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
Topic

Assignee as Applicant Signature

5 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-fd77b77168ace3b7da656d7e]
Corp Officer Must Sign Oath for Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) Application
Note:
An officer of a corporation must sign the oath or declaration when applying under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-a104ba80e7b58ca20adcfbdd]
Oath/Declaration for Assignee Must Be Signed
Note:
An oath or declaration must be signed by an authorized representative of the assignee, as specified in MPEP § 324.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Assignee as Applicant SignatureInventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-da55de0f25c850a937cddbbb]
Applicant Must State Relationship to Inventor
Note:
The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must state his or her relationship to the inventor as required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.64.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:

(B) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must state his or her relationship to the inventor as required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.64.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-991992b5d525ba4a84559533]
Prima Facie Case for Assignee Interest Required
Note:
The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must demonstrate a proprietary interest in the invention, either through assignment or written agreement.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:

(E) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make out a prima facie case (1) that the invention has been assigned to him or her or (2) that the inventor has agreed in writing to assign the invention to him or her or (3) otherwise demonstrate a proprietary interest in the subject matter of the application. See MPEP § 409.03(f).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-69940dd02825fe618e4584e8]
Filing of Application Must Preserve Rights or Prevent Damage
Note:
The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must demonstrate that filing the application is necessary to preserve rights or prevent irreparable damage.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements:

(F) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must prove that the filing of the application is necessary (1) to preserve the rights of the parties or (2) to prevent irreparable damage. See MPEP § 409.03(g).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-eae6fb3b89320b276384fc45]
Oath Required for Pre-AIA Application
Note:
The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.175.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsAssignee as Applicant Signature
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-409-03-b-c46d19b67868d328da2ad8ab]
Declaration for Non-Signing Inventors Required
Note:
A declaration must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of a nonsigning inventor when an application is executed by someone other than the inventor.

In addition to other requirements of law (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 115), an application deposited pursuant to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) must meet the following requirements (A) The pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant must make the oath required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 and 1.64 or 1.175. Where a corporation is the pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b) applicant, an officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Executive Officer) thereof should normally sign the necessary oath or declaration. A corporation may authorize any person, including an attorney or agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to sign the application oath or declaration on its behalf. Where an oath or declaration is signed by a registered attorney or agent on behalf of a corporation, either proof of the attorney's or agent's authority in the form of a statement signed by an appropriate corporate officer must be submitted, or the attorney or agent may simply state that he or she is authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation. Where the oath or declaration is being signed on behalf of an assignee, see MPEP § 324. An inventor may not authorize another individual to act as his or her agent to sign the application oath or declaration on his or her behalf. Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976), In re Striker, 182 USPQ 507 (Comm'r Pat. 1973). Where an application is executed by one other than the inventor, the declaration required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 must state the full name, residence, post office address, and citizenship of the nonsigning inventor. Also, the title or position of the person signing must be stated if signing on behalf of a corporation under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.47(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.47(b)AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Oath/Declaration Signature

Citations

Primary topicCitation
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
35 U.S.C. § 118
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
37 CFR § 1.47(a)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
37 CFR § 1.47(b)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
37 CFR § 1.63
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
37 CFR § 1.64
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
MPEP § 324
AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeMPEP § 409.03(d)
AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeMPEP § 409.03(e)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
MPEP § 409.03(f)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
MPEP § 409.03(g)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Staeger v. Commissioner, 189 USPQ 272 (D.D.C. 1976)

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