Can a legal assistant or secretary sign correspondence on behalf of a patent practitioner?

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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, a legal assistant or secretary cannot sign correspondence on behalf of a patent practitioner. The MPEP 502.02 clearly states: ‘The signature of a practitioner on correspondence filed with the USPTO must be a handwritten signature or an S-signature personally signed by such practitioner.’ This requirement ensures that the practitioner takes personal responsibility for the content of the correspondence. Delegating this responsibility to support staff is not permitted and could lead to the correspondence being considered unsigned or improperly signed. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Handwritten Signature Requirement for Correspondence MPEP 502.02 Permitted Original Handwritten Signature Requirement MPEP 502.02 Scanned Image of Handwritten Signature Permitted for USPTO Filing MPEP 502.02 Permitted Patent Practitioner Must Provide Registration Number for Juristic Entity Applicant MPEP 502.02 Required Transmission of CPA by Facsimile Not Permitted MPEP 502 Office Date Stamp Requirement for Returned Papers MPEP 502 Recommended Correspondence to PTAB Governed by §42.6 MPEP 502 Handwritten Signature Must Be Truly Handwritten MPEP 502.02 Prohibited Graphic Representation of Handwritten Signature Required for Filing MPEP 502.02 Handwritten Signature as Electronic Image Requirement MPEP 502.02 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the consequences of an improper signature on patent correspondence? What is an S-signature in USPTO correspondence and how is it formatted? What is an S-signature in patent correspondence? What are the signature requirements for patent practitioners in correspondence with the USPTO? What are the signature require...