Can an attorney or agent not of record sign amendments to a patent application?

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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 registered attorney or agent acting in a representative capacity can sign amendments to a patent application, even if they do not have a power of attorney in the application. This is explicitly stated in MPEP § 714.01(c) : A registered attorney or agent acting in a representative capacity under 37 CFR 1.34 , may sign amendments even though he or she does not have a power of attorney in the application. This provision allows for flexibility in the prosecution process, enabling registered practitioners to assist with specific tasks without requiring a formal power of attorney for the entire application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Amendments to Specification Must Follow Specific Methods MPEP 714 Required Amendments to Correct Specification Inaccuracies MPEP 714 Required Amendments to Specification Must Be Made by Adding, Deleting, or Replacing Paragraphs MPEP 714 Required Amendments to Specification Must Be Clear MPEP 714 Required Amendments Not Usually Made in Provisional Applications MPEP 714 Amendments Required for Reissue Applications MPEP 714 Amendments Must Be Filed Compliantly MPEP 714 Amendments Must Be Filed Compliantly MPEP 714 Paragraph Deletion Must Not Use Strike-Through MPEP 714 Prohibited Amendment to Delete a Paragraph Must Be Clearly Identified MPEP 714 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens if an amendment under 37 CFR 1.312 adds claims exceeding the previously paid number? What types of amendments under 37 CFR 1.312 require supervisory patent examiner approval? What does &#8216;acting in a representative capacity&#8217; mean in the context of patent applications? Can new claims be added after Notice ...