Can a registered practitioner sign an affidavit or declaration on behalf of an inventor or assignee?
No, a registered practitioner cannot sign an affidavit or declaration on behalf of an inventor or assignee. According to MPEP 717.01(c):
‘The affidavit or declaration must be signed by the inventor or a joint inventor, or the party qualified under 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47. A registered practitioner may not sign an affidavit or declaration on behalf of an inventor or a party qualified under 37 CFR 1.42, 1.43, or 1.47.’
This requirement ensures that the statements in the affidavit or declaration are made directly by the person with firsthand knowledge of the facts being attested to.
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