Who needs to sign an international patent application?
According to MPEP 1820, an international patent application must be signed by the applicant(s). Specifically: “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, it’s important to note that: “Under…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for correspondence in PCT applications?
According to MPEP 1834, correspondence in PCT applications must meet specific requirements: Any paper submitted during the international procedure must be accompanied by a letter identifying the international application, unless it’s already in the form of a letter. The letter must be signed by the applicant. If these requirements are not met, the applicant will…
Read MoreCan an applicant sign an amendment if they have an attorney of record?
Yes, an applicant other than a juristic entity can sign an amendment even if they have an attorney of record. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) states: If an amendment signed by the applicant, other than a juristic entity, is received in an application in which there is a duly appointed attorney or agent,…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle amendments signed by applicants when there’s an attorney of record?
When an applicant signs an amendment in a patent application with an attorney of record, the USPTO follows a specific procedure: The amendment is entered and acted upon. Two copies of the action are prepared. One copy is sent to the attorney of record. The other copy is sent directly to the applicant. The MPEP…
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