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