Patent Law FAQ
This FAQ answers all your questions about patent law, patent procedure, and the patent examination process.
MPEP 500 – Receipt and Handling of Mail and Papers (1)
What are the signature requirements for patent practitioners in correspondence with the USPTO?
Patent practitioners (e.g., registered attorneys or agents) must follow specific signature requirements when corresponding with the USPTO:
- They must personally sign correspondence using either a handwritten signature or an S-signature.
- An S-signature is inserted between forward slash marks and includes the practitioner’s name and registration number.
- The signature must comply with 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) or 1.4(d)(2).
According to MPEP 502.02, ‘The signature of a practitioner on correspondence filed with the USPTO must be a handwritten signature or an S-signature personally signed by such practitioner.’ This ensures accountability and authenticity in patent-related communications.
To learn more:
Patent Law (2)
What are the signature requirements for patent practitioners in correspondence with the USPTO?
Patent practitioners (e.g., registered attorneys or agents) must follow specific signature requirements when corresponding with the USPTO:
- They must personally sign correspondence using either a handwritten signature or an S-signature.
- An S-signature is inserted between forward slash marks and includes the practitioner’s name and registration number.
- The signature must comply with 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) or 1.4(d)(2).
According to MPEP 502.02, ‘The signature of a practitioner on correspondence filed with the USPTO must be a handwritten signature or an S-signature personally signed by such practitioner.’ This ensures accountability and authenticity in patent-related communications.
To learn more:
The signature requirements for inventor’s oaths or declarations are as follows:
- There is no requirement for a signature to be made in any particular manner.
- Inventors can use titles such as ‘Dr.’ in their signatures, but these won’t appear in the printed patent.
- Non-English character signatures are accepted.
- If an inventor cannot write, their mark must be witnessed.
According to MPEP § 602.08(b), “There is no requirement that a signature be made in any particular manner.” The section also states, “It is permissible for an applicant to use a title of nobility or other title, such as ‘Dr.’, in connection with their signature. The title will not appear in the printed patent.“
To learn more:
Patent Procedure (2)
What are the signature requirements for patent practitioners in correspondence with the USPTO?
Patent practitioners (e.g., registered attorneys or agents) must follow specific signature requirements when corresponding with the USPTO:
- They must personally sign correspondence using either a handwritten signature or an S-signature.
- An S-signature is inserted between forward slash marks and includes the practitioner’s name and registration number.
- The signature must comply with 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1) or 1.4(d)(2).
According to MPEP 502.02, ‘The signature of a practitioner on correspondence filed with the USPTO must be a handwritten signature or an S-signature personally signed by such practitioner.’ This ensures accountability and authenticity in patent-related communications.
To learn more:
The signature requirements for inventor’s oaths or declarations are as follows:
- There is no requirement for a signature to be made in any particular manner.
- Inventors can use titles such as ‘Dr.’ in their signatures, but these won’t appear in the printed patent.
- Non-English character signatures are accepted.
- If an inventor cannot write, their mark must be witnessed.
According to MPEP § 602.08(b), “There is no requirement that a signature be made in any particular manner.” The section also states, “It is permissible for an applicant to use a title of nobility or other title, such as ‘Dr.’, in connection with their signature. The title will not appear in the printed patent.“
To learn more: