Can a juristic entity applicant sign a change of correspondence address form?

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, a juristic entity applicant cannot directly sign a change of correspondence address form. According to MPEP 601.03(a):

“A juristic entity (e.g., organizational assignee) must be represented by a patent practitioner even if the juristic entity is the applicant.”

For juristic entity applicants, the following applies:

• A registered patent practitioner must sign the change of correspondence address form on behalf of the juristic entity
• The practitioner must be appointed to represent the juristic entity
• The appointment can be made in an Application Data Sheet (ADS) or a separate power of attorney document

It’s important to note that this requirement is in place to ensure proper legal representation for juristic entities in patent matters.