What happens if a juristic entity is incorrectly listed as an inventor in an international design application?

If a juristic entity is incorrectly listed as an inventor in an international design application designating the United States, it will result in a rejection of the application. The MPEP 2920.01 provides specific guidance on this issue: “Where a nonprovisional international design application identifies a juristic entity as an inventor, Form Paragraph 29.04 should be…

Read More

Are there different rules for amendments signed by juristic entities?

Yes, there are different rules for amendments signed by juristic entities (e.g., corporations, organizations) compared to individual applicants. The MPEP clearly states: An amendment submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner. This means that unlike individual applicants, juristic entities cannot submit amendments signed by themselves or their employees…

Read More

Who can sign a micro entity certification?

According to MPEP 509.04(c), a certification of micro entity status can be signed only by an authorized party as set forth in 37 CFR 1.33(b), which includes: A patent practitioner of record A patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34 The applicant (37 CFR…

Read More

Are there any entities required to have patent attorney representation?

Yes, juristic entities (e.g., organizational assignees) must be represented by a patent practitioner. As stated in MPEP 401: An applicant who is a juristic entity must be represented by a patent practitioner. This requirement ensures that organizations have proper legal representation when navigating the complex patent application process. Individual inventors and joint inventors, however, may…

Read More

What is a juristic entity in patent applications?

A juristic entity, in the context of patent applications, typically refers to an organizational assignee such as a company or corporation. According to MPEP 401, juristic entities have special requirements: “An applicant who is a juristic entity must be represented by a patent practitioner.” This means that companies or other organizational entities cannot represent themselves…

Read More

Can I represent myself in a patent application?

Yes, in most cases. According to MPEP 401, “An applicant for patent, other than a juristic entity (e.g., organizational assignee), may file and prosecute their own application, and thus act as their own representative (pro se) before the Office.” However, there are important considerations: Juristic entities (e.g., companies) must be represented by a patent practitioner…

Read More