MPEP § 603 — Supplemental Oath or Declaration (Annotated Rules)

§603 Supplemental Oath or Declaration

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 603, 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.

Supplemental Oath or Declaration

This section addresses Supplemental Oath or Declaration. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 115(h)(1), 37 CFR 1.67(a), and 37 CFR 1.63. Contains: 7 requirements, 2 prohibitions, 7 permissions, and 2 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements

7 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-1a42484e1bb262f07dcaf31d]
Application Data Sheet for Omission Corrections
Note:
An application data sheet may be used to correct deficiencies in an oath or declaration, such as the omission of an inventor's mailing address.

(a) The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in the earlier filed oath or declaration.

(3) Deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of § 1.63(c) (e.g., to correct the omission of a mailing address of an inventor) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with § 1.76.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsMaintenance Fee PaymentAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-603-85de8bd406f6879bc26cb0ed]
Supplemental Oath Cannot Introduce New Matter
Note:
The supplemental oath or declaration cannot be used to add new information to the application.

Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67 requires in the supplemental oath or declaration substantially all the data called for in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 for the original oath or declaration. As to the purpose to be served by the supplemental oath or declaration, the examiner should bear in mind that it cannot be availed of to introduce new matter into an application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsAIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-ab7ee32e34cadc6ef97848e9]
Supplemental Oath or Declaration for Inventor Corrections
Note:
A supplemental oath or declaration must be signed to correct deficiencies or inaccuracies in the original oath or declaration, identifying all inventors when necessary.

Deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected by a supplemental oath or declaration. The supplemental oath or declaration must (1) identify the entire inventive entity, and (2) be signed by all the inventors when the correction relates to all the inventors or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47), or by only those inventor(s) or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47) to whom the corrections relates. See pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a). A deficiency or inaccuracy relating to information required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) may also be corrected with an application data sheet (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a)(3)). The following examples illustrate how certain deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected:

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.42Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature RequirementsAIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-6778fb6e99d97cc095edfb6c]
Supplemental Oath or Declaration for Inventors
Note:
A supplemental oath or declaration must be signed by all inventors to correct deficiencies in the original oath, identifying the entire inventive entity.

Deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected by a supplemental oath or declaration. The supplemental oath or declaration must (1) identify the entire inventive entity, and (2) be signed by all the inventors when the correction relates to all the inventors or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47), or by only those inventor(s) or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47) to whom the corrections relates. See pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a). A deficiency or inaccuracy relating to information required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) may also be corrected with an application data sheet (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a)(3)). The following examples illustrate how certain deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected:

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.42Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Signature RequirementsAIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-603-6305ded428d0567d7cb1ed3c]
Requirement for Non-Signing Inventor's Supplemental Declaration Can Be Waived
Note:
If an inventor who executed the original declaration is refusing or cannot be found, the requirement for that inventor to sign a supplemental declaration may be suspended or waived.

When an inventor who executed the original declaration is refusing or cannot be found to execute a required supplemental declaration, the requirement for that inventor to sign the supplemental declaration may be suspended or waived in accordance with 37 CFR 1.183. All available joint inventor(s) must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of themselves, if appropriate, and on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(a). If there are no joint inventor(s), then the party with sufficient proprietary interest must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.183Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsDirector Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-c7cb2080f269b7f9dfbc63a1]
Supplemental Declaration Must Be Signed by All Available Joint Inventors
Note:
All available joint inventors must sign the supplemental declaration, either for themselves or on behalf of any nonsigning inventor.

When an inventor who executed the original declaration is refusing or cannot be found to execute a required supplemental declaration, the requirement for that inventor to sign the supplemental declaration may be suspended or waived in accordance with 37 CFR 1.183. All available joint inventor(s) must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of themselves, if appropriate, and on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(a). If there are no joint inventor(s), then the party with sufficient proprietary interest must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.183Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsAIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeDirector Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-3b5db57f2feae2f3f8df0323]
Nonsigning Inventor's Declaration Must Be Signed by Proprietary Interest Holder
Note:
If there are no joint inventors, the party with sufficient proprietary interest must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of the nonsigning inventor.

When an inventor who executed the original declaration is refusing or cannot be found to execute a required supplemental declaration, the requirement for that inventor to sign the supplemental declaration may be suspended or waived in accordance with 37 CFR 1.183. All available joint inventor(s) must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of themselves, if appropriate, and on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(a). If there are no joint inventor(s), then the party with sufficient proprietary interest must sign the supplemental declaration on behalf of the nonsigning inventor. See MPEP § 409.03(b).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.183Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsPTAB Contested Case ProceduresAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)

6 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-603-625a74ec79fcaffd1571109b]
Supplemental Oath Must Include Original Data
Note:
The supplemental oath or declaration must include substantially all the data required in the original oath or declaration as per pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63.

Pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67 requires in the supplemental oath or declaration substantially all the data called for in pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 for the original oath or declaration. As to the purpose to be served by the supplemental oath or declaration, the examiner should bear in mind that it cannot be availed of to introduce new matter into an application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-603d4e357ddd3c6c2cc07432]
Application Data Sheet for Inaccurate Information Correction
Note:
Allows correction of deficiencies or inaccuracies related to pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) requirements through an application data sheet.

Deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected by a supplemental oath or declaration. The supplemental oath or declaration must (1) identify the entire inventive entity, and (2) be signed by all the inventors when the correction relates to all the inventors or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47), or by only those inventor(s) or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47) to whom the corrections relates. See pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a). A deficiency or inaccuracy relating to information required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) may also be corrected with an application data sheet (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a)(3)). The following examples illustrate how certain deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected:

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.42AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Oath/Declaration Signature
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-fa4b905434c9619228ec1dd8]
Supplemental Declaration to Correct Inventor Citizenship Error
Note:
A supplemental declaration may be signed by the inventor alone to correct an error in their citizenship information.

Example 1: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A, B, and C. If it is later determined that the citizenship of inventor C was in error, a supplemental declaration identifying inventors A, B, and C may be signed by inventor C alone correcting C’s citizenship.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsReissue Oath/Declaration Content
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-12b50ad40aea6a82e7518119]
Supplemental Declaration for Omitted Duty to Disclose Clause
Note:
Inventors must sign a supplemental declaration if the duty to disclose clause is omitted from their initial declaration.

Example 2: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A, B, and C. If it is later determined that the duty to disclose clause was omitted, a supplemental declaration identifying inventors A, B, and C must be signed by inventors A, B, and C. If separate declarations had been executed by each of the inventors and the duty to disclose clause had been omitted only in the declaration by inventor B, then only inventor B would need to execute a supplemental declaration identifying the entire inventive entity.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsInventor Oath/Declaration Signature
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-603-22e217109aba04fc85ac6eb2]
Supplemental Declaration Required for Corrected Citizenship
Note:
A supplemental declaration must be signed by the legal representative of deceased inventor C to correct their citizenship in the application.

Example 3: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A, and B, and the legal representative of deceased inventor C. It is later determined that an error was made in the citizenship of deceased inventor C. A supplemental declaration identifying A, B, and C as the inventors would be required to be signed by the legal representative of deceased inventor C alone correcting C’s citizenship.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsReissue Oath/Declaration Content
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-9d99c0d0c5e5bf460033be20]
Inventor B’s Mailing Address Can Be Corrected
Note:
The mailing address of inventor B can be corrected through a supplemental declaration signed by inventor B alone or an application data sheet under 37 CFR 1.76.

Example 4: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A and B. If it is later determined that an error exists in the mailing address of inventor B, the mailing address of inventor B may be corrected by a supplemental declaration identifying the entire inventive entity and signed by inventor B alone, or an application data sheet under 37 CFR 1.76 containing only a change in inventor B’s mailing address.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)Pre-AIA Oath/Declaration RequirementsReissue Oath/Declaration Content
Topic

Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-7cae0c4b3bc650c78e8fffdb]
Request for Inventorship Change Must Be Under 37 CFR 1.48(a)
Note:
Any request to correct inventorship in a nonprovisional application must be submitted via a request under 37 CFR 1.48(a).

37 CFR 1.67(a) provides that the applicant may submit an inventor’s oath or declaration meeting the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor’s oath or declaration. See 35 U.S.C. 115(h)(1). 37 CFR 1.67(a) also provides that deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to 37 CFR 1.48. Thus, an error in an inventor’s mailing address may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76. See 37 CFR 1.76(c). Any request to correct or change inventorship in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(a). Any request to correct or update the name of an inventor in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67(a)Supplemental Reissue Oath/DeclarationReissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Oath or Declaration
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-2d8f4df28a6fdc91a69b4664]
Request for Correcting Inventor's Name in Nonprovisional Application Must Be Under 37 CFR 1.48(f)
Note:
Any request to update an inventor’s name in a nonprovisional application must be submitted via a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f).

37 CFR 1.67(a) provides that the applicant may submit an inventor’s oath or declaration meeting the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor’s oath or declaration. See 35 U.S.C. 115(h)(1). 37 CFR 1.67(a) also provides that deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to 37 CFR 1.48. Thus, an error in an inventor’s mailing address may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76. See 37 CFR 1.76(c). Any request to correct or change inventorship in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(a). Any request to correct or update the name of an inventor in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67(a)Supplemental Reissue Oath/DeclarationReissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Oath or Declaration
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-957a6dbb40e4ecca0caa97ad]
Supplemental Oath to Correct Deficiencies
Note:
The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies in the earlier filed oath or declaration.
(a) The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in the earlier filed oath or declaration.
  • (1) Deficiencies or inaccuracies relating to all the inventors or applicants (§§ 1.42, 1.43, or § 1.47) may be corrected with a supplemental oath or declaration signed by all the inventors or applicants.
  • (2) Deficiencies or inaccuracies relating to fewer than all of the inventor(s) or applicant(s) (§§ 1.42, 1.43 or § 1.47) may be corrected with a supplemental oath or declaration identifying the entire inventive entity but signed only by the inventor(s) or applicant(s) to whom the error or deficiency relates.
  • (3) Deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of § 1.63(c) (e.g., to correct the omission of a mailing address of an inventor) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with § 1.76.
  • (4) Submission of a supplemental oath or declaration or an application data sheet (§ 1.76), as opposed to who must sign the supplemental oath or declaration or an application data sheet, is governed by § 1.33(a)(2) and paragraph (b) of this section.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Supplemental Reissue Oath/DeclarationInventor Oath/Declaration SignatureReissue Oath or Declaration
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-74dd937014b73fafebfdc394]
Supplemental Declaration for Deceased Inventor's Citizenship Correction
Note:
A supplemental declaration to correct deceased inventor C’s citizenship must be signed by the legal representative of C alone.

Example 3: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A, and B, and the legal representative of deceased inventor C. It is later determined that an error was made in the citizenship of deceased inventor C. A supplemental declaration identifying A, B, and C as the inventors would be required to be signed by the legal representative of deceased inventor C alone correcting C’s citizenship.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Supplemental Reissue Oath/DeclarationSubstitute SignatureInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Topic

Maintenance Fee Payment

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-dd16d86e58bf94ece7660e3d]
Requirement for Correcting Earlier Filed Inventor’s Oath or Declaration
Note:
The applicant must submit an oath or declaration meeting specific requirements to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies in a previously filed one.

(a) The applicant may submit an inventor's oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63, § 1.64, or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor's oath or declaration. Deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of § 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with § 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to § 1.48.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Maintenance Fee Payment
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-e1dfd970221e240b468e0ae3]
Correcting Inventorship Must Follow Specific Rules
Note:
This rule states that corrections to inventorship must follow the requirements of § 1.48, while other deficiencies or inaccuracies can be corrected using an application data sheet in accordance with § 1.76.

(a) The applicant may submit an inventor's oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63, § 1.64, or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor's oath or declaration. Deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of § 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with § 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to § 1.48.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Maintenance Fee Payment
Topic

AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-defce58d381aaf8d8808337a]
Supplemental Oath for Inaccuracies Relating to Some Inventors
Note:
A supplemental oath or declaration can correct deficiencies or inaccuracies related to fewer than all inventors, signed only by those affected.

(a) The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in the earlier filed oath or declaration.

(2) Deficiencies or inaccuracies relating to fewer than all of the inventor(s) or applicant(s) (§§ 1.42, 1.43 or § 1.47) may be corrected with a supplemental oath or declaration identifying the entire inventive entity but signed only by the inventor(s) or applicant(s) to whom the error or deficiency relates.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)Reissue Oath/Declaration ContentSupplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-8931b967a1a119d7153c25d9]
Supplemental Oath Must Identify Inventors and Be Signed Appropriately
Note:
The supplemental oath must identify all inventors and be signed by all or specific inventors as required.

Deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected by a supplemental oath or declaration. The supplemental oath or declaration must (1) identify the entire inventive entity, and (2) be signed by all the inventors when the correction relates to all the inventors or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47), or by only those inventor(s) or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47) to whom the corrections relates. See pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a). A deficiency or inaccuracy relating to information required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) may also be corrected with an application data sheet (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a)(3)). The following examples illustrate how certain deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected:

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.42AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)Applicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Topic

Reissue Oath or Declaration

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-a9a849bc326b85dd0e450ba0]
Requirement for Correcting Inventor’s Oath or Declaration
Note:
Allows an applicant to submit a new oath or declaration meeting specific requirements to correct deficiencies in an earlier filed one.

37 CFR 1.67(a) provides that the applicant may submit an inventor’s oath or declaration meeting the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor’s oath or declaration. See 35 U.S.C. 115(h)(1). 37 CFR 1.67(a) also provides that deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to 37 CFR 1.48. Thus, an error in an inventor’s mailing address may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76. See 37 CFR 1.76(c). Any request to correct or change inventorship in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(a). Any request to correct or update the name of an inventor in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67(a)Reissue Oath or DeclarationSupplemental Reissue Oath/DeclarationReissue Oath/Declaration Content
Topic

Reissue Oath/Declaration Content

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-f1f5357b76b1a74538dfa69f]
Mailing Address Correction with Application Data Sheet
Note:
An error in an inventor’s mailing address can be corrected using an application data sheet according to 37 CFR 1.76.

37 CFR 1.67(a) provides that the applicant may submit an inventor’s oath or declaration meeting the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63, 1.64, or 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in an earlier-filed inventor’s oath or declaration. See 35 U.S.C. 115(h)(1). 37 CFR 1.67(a) also provides that deficiencies or inaccuracies due to the failure to meet the requirements of 37 CFR 1.63(b) in an oath or declaration may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76, except that any correction of inventorship must be pursuant to 37 CFR 1.48. Thus, an error in an inventor’s mailing address may be corrected with an application data sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.76. See 37 CFR 1.76(c). Any request to correct or change inventorship in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(a). Any request to correct or update the name of an inventor in a nonprovisional application must be by way of a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.67(a)Reissue Oath/Declaration ContentReissue Oath or DeclarationReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Inventor Signature Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-89090891e4fab8377f2b40d1]
Supplemental Oath for Inventor Information Corrections
Note:
A supplemental oath or declaration must be signed by all inventors to correct deficiencies or inaccuracies in inventor information.

(a) The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in the earlier filed oath or declaration. (1) Deficiencies or inaccuracies relating to all the inventors or applicants (§§ 1.42, 1.43, or § 1.47) may be corrected with a supplemental oath or declaration signed by all the inventors or applicants.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Inventor Signature RequirementsSignature RequirementsInventor Oath/Declaration Signature
Topic

Correspondence Address Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-7373473d85d4c40c4250064a]
Supplemental Oath or Declaration Requirement
Note:
The Office may require a supplemental oath or declaration to correct deficiencies in the earlier filed oath or declaration, and who must sign it is governed by specific rules.

(a) The Office may require, or inventors and applicants may submit, a supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 or § 1.162 to correct any deficiencies or inaccuracies present in the earlier filed oath or declaration.

(4) Submission of a supplemental oath or declaration or an application data sheet (§ 1.76), as opposed to who must sign the supplemental oath or declaration or an application data sheet, is governed by § 1.33(a)(2) and paragraph (b) of this section.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Correspondence Address RequirementsCorrespondence AddressInventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Topic

Components Required for Filing Date

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-30ff8434f74f4ec1b4d4e74b]
Supplemental Oath for New Matter
Note:
A supplemental oath must be filed when claims include new matter not originally shown or described in the application.

(b) A supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 must be filed when a claim is presented for matter originally shown or described but not substantially embraced in the statement of invention or claims originally presented or when an oath or declaration submitted in accordance with § 1.53(f) after the filing of the specification and any required drawings specifically and improperly refers to an amendment which includes new matter. No new matter may be introduced into a nonprovisional application after its filing date even if a supplemental oath or declaration is filed. In proper situations, the oath or declaration here required may be made on information and belief by an applicant other than the inventor.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Components Required for Filing DateApplication Types and FilingPatent Application Content
Topic

Nonprovisional Applications

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-603-c05ca09473ff268bfc67bb05]
No New Matter After Filing Date For Nonprovisional Applications
Note:
A supplemental oath or declaration cannot introduce new matter into a nonprovisional application after its filing date.

(b) A supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 must be filed when a claim is presented for matter originally shown or described but not substantially embraced in the statement of invention or claims originally presented or when an oath or declaration submitted in accordance with § 1.53(f) after the filing of the specification and any required drawings specifically and improperly refers to an amendment which includes new matter. No new matter may be introduced into a nonprovisional application after its filing date even if a supplemental oath or declaration is filed. In proper situations, the oath or declaration here required may be made on information and belief by an applicant other than the inventor.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Nonprovisional ApplicationsFiling Date RequirementsAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

Assignee as Applicant Signature

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-603-a3dbfb08d4524efa4c1a0e3c]
Non-Inventor Can Make Oath on Information and Belief
Note:
An applicant who is not the inventor may make the required oath or declaration based on information and belief in certain situations.

(b) A supplemental oath or declaration meeting the requirements of § 1.63 must be filed when a claim is presented for matter originally shown or described but not substantially embraced in the statement of invention or claims originally presented or when an oath or declaration submitted in accordance with § 1.53(f) after the filing of the specification and any required drawings specifically and improperly refers to an amendment which includes new matter. No new matter may be introduced into a nonprovisional application after its filing date even if a supplemental oath or declaration is filed. In proper situations, the oath or declaration here required may be made on information and belief by an applicant other than the inventor.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Assignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-603-d7c3fb295abca22235ffae46]
Supplemental Oath or Declaration for Invention Corrections
Note:
Correct deficiencies in an oath or declaration with a supplemental oath or declaration signed by all inventors if related to all, or only those affected.

Deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected by a supplemental oath or declaration. The supplemental oath or declaration must (1) identify the entire inventive entity, and (2) be signed by all the inventors when the correction relates to all the inventors or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47), or by only those inventor(s) or applicants (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47) to whom the corrections relates. See pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a). A deficiency or inaccuracy relating to information required by pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63(c) may also be corrected with an application data sheet (pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.67(a)(3)). The following examples illustrate how certain deficiencies or inaccuracies in an oath or declaration may be corrected:

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.42AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeAIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
Topic

Individuals Under Duty

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-603-204c6a6fa816ac945853c8f3]
Supplemental Declaration for Omitted Disclosure Clause
Note:
If the duty to disclose clause is omitted in an inventor's declaration, only that inventor needs to execute a supplemental declaration identifying the entire inventive entity.

Example 2: An application was filed with a declaration under pre-AIA 37 CFR 1.63 executed by inventors A, B, and C. If it is later determined that the duty to disclose clause was omitted, a supplemental declaration identifying inventors A, B, and C must be signed by inventors A, B, and C. If separate declarations had been executed by each of the inventors and the duty to disclose clause had been omitted only in the declaration by inventor B, then only inventor B would need to execute a supplemental declaration identifying the entire inventive entity.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.63Individuals Under DutyInventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsDuty of Disclosure Fundamentals

Citations

Primary topicCitation
35 U.S.C. § 115
35 U.S.C. § 115(h)
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
35 U.S.C. § 115(h)(1)
35 U.S.C. § 115(h)(2)
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
Correspondence Address Requirements
Inventor Signature Requirements
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Maintenance Fee Payment
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.162
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements37 CFR § 1.183
Correspondence Address Requirements
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.33(a)(2)
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor Signature Requirements
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.42
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
Inventor Signature Requirements
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.47
Maintenance Fee Payment
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.48
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.48(a)
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.48(f)
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Components Required for Filing Date
Nonprovisional Applications
37 CFR § 1.53(f)
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
Assignee as Applicant Signature
Components Required for Filing Date
Correspondence Address Requirements
Individuals Under Duty
Inventor Signature Requirements
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Maintenance Fee Payment
Nonprovisional Applications
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.63
Maintenance Fee Payment
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.63(b)
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.63(c)
37 CFR § 1.63(e)
Maintenance Fee Payment37 CFR § 1.64
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
37 CFR § 1.67
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.67(a)
AIA Definition of Applicant (37 CFR 1.42)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
37 CFR § 1.67(a)(3)
37 CFR § 1.67(b)
37 CFR § 1.67(c)
37 CFR § 1.67(d)
AIA Oath/Declaration Requirements (37 CFR 1.63)
Correspondence Address Requirements
Inventor's Oath/Declaration Requirements
Maintenance Fee Payment
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.76
Reissue Oath or Declaration
Reissue Oath/Declaration Content
Supplemental Reissue Oath/Declaration
37 CFR § 1.76(c)
Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsMPEP § 409.03(a)
Inventor's Oath/Declaration RequirementsMPEP § 409.03(b)

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