Are there different rules for amendments signed by juristic entities?
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.
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 who are not registered patent practitioners. This requirement is based on 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3), which mandates that amendments and other papers filed in the application of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner.
For more information on the requirements for juristic entities, refer to MPEP 714.01(d) and MPEP 714.01(a).