Patent Law FAQ

If there are variations in your signature across different patent documents, you should:

• Try to use a consistent signature for all patent correspondence to avoid confusion.
• Be prepared for the USPTO to require ratification or confirmation of the signature if there are significant variations.
• If asked to ratify, state that you personally signed the previously submitted document and, if needed, submit a compliant format of the signature.

According to the MPEP: “For consistency purposes, and to avoid raising a doubt as to who has signed, the same S-signature should be utilized each time, with variations of the signature being avoided.”

If the USPTO requires ratification, they may ask you to submit a statement or a duplicate document with a compliant signature. This helps ensure the authenticity of signatures and clarity of the record.

To learn more:

• Signature Variations
• Patent Correspondence
• Ratification
• Signature Consistency
• USPTO Requirements