Can a person sign patent documents on behalf of a juristic entity?

Yes, a person can sign patent documents on behalf of a juristic entity, but there are specific requirements:

According to MPEP 402.03: ‘Papers submitted on behalf of juristic entities must be signed by a person having authority to sign for the juristic entity.’

This means:

  • The signer must have the legal authority to act on behalf of the entity.
  • For corporations, this typically includes officers or agents appointed by the board.
  • For partnerships, a partner may sign.
  • For universities, an authorized official may sign.

It’s crucial to ensure the signer has proper authorization to avoid potential issues with the patent application.

To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 400 - Representative of Applicant or Owner, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Corporate Signing, juristic entity, patent documents, Signature Authority