Can a non-primary examiner sign an Office action?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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. Yes, a non-primary examiner can sign an Office action under certain circumstances. The MPEP 707.09 specifies that The electronic signature of the Supervisory Patent Examiner, Primary or other authorized examiner is inserted to sign Office actions. This implies that while primary examiners and supervisory patent examiners commonly sign Office actions, other examiners may also be authorized to do so. The key is that the examiner must be ‘authorized,’ which typically involves meeting certain criteria or obtaining specific permissions within the USPTO. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Supervisory Examiner Must Sign Office Actions MPEP 707.09 Office Actions Must Be Signed Promptly MPEP 707.09 Recommended First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Examiner Must Thoroughly Study and Investigate Patent Applications MPEP 707 Required Examiner Must Thoroughly Study and Investigate Prior Art During Reexamination MPEP 707 Required Examiner Must Cite Best References for Obviousness Rejections MPEP 707 Required Examiner Must Explain Pertinent References Clearly MPEP 707 Required Examiner Must Provide Reasons for Allowing Claims MPEP 707 Examiner Must Provide Reasons For Allowing Claims MPEP 707 Permitted Examiner Must Respond to Comments on Reasons for Allowance MPEP 707 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the significance of an electronic signature on a patent Office action? Who signs Office actions in patent examinations? How quickly are Office actions signed at the USPTO? What is the significance of 35 U.S.C. 301 in citing prior art? How should examiners address asserted advantages claimed by applicants?