Are attorney’s liens against patents or patent applications recordable at the USPTO?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. No, attorney’s liens against patents or patent applications are not accepted for recording at the USPTO. This is explicitly stated in the MPEP: “Documents that are not accepted for recording include attorney’s liens against patents or patent applications. See In re Refusal of Assignment Branch to Record Attorney’s Lien , 8 USPQ2d 1446 (Comm’r Pat. 1988).” ( MPEP 313 ) This decision reflects the USPTO’s policy on recordable documents and helps maintain clarity in the patent ownership records. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Recording of Assignments and Other Documents Affecting Patent Title MPEP 313 Assignments of Patents Must Be Recorded MPEP 313 Required Other Documents Relating to Patents Must Be Recorded MPEP 313 Unrecorded Document Petition MPEP 313 Permitted Recordation Does Not Determine Title Effect MPEP 313 Effect of Document on Title Determined by Office MPEP 313 Required Petitions for Filing Date of Patent Applications MPEP 1002.02(b) Assignment of Patent Must Be in Writing MPEP 301 Request for Corrected Patent Application Publication MPEP 1002.02(b) Requirement for Transfer of Ownership Interest MPEP 301 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Why does the USPTO record documents other than assignments? What can I do if the USPTO refuses to record a document I believe should be recorded? Does the USPTO determine the legal effect of recorded documents on patent ownership? What types of documents can be recorded in the USPTO besides assignments? What information is required on a cover sheet for recording documents with the USPTO?