Can a legal representative use an S-signature for patent documents?

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, a legal representative can use an S-signature for patent documents, provided they meet the following requirements:

• The S-signature must be inserted between forward slash marks
• The signer’s name must be presented in printed or typed form
• The capacity of the signer must be included with the signature

The MPEP 402.03 states: ‘When an S-signature is employed in a document filed with the Office in connection with a patent or application, it must be accompanied by the printed or typed name of the signer. The number and qualification of persons required to execute a particular document are governed by the statute requiring the document and applicable regulations.’

For legal representatives, it’s crucial to include their capacity (e.g., attorney, agent) along with their S-signature to ensure compliance with USPTO requirements.