How are handwritten signatures treated in USPTO patent applications?

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.

The USPTO accepts handwritten signatures in patent applications, but they must meet specific requirements:

• The signature must be personally applied by the signer.
• It can be in permanent dark ink or its equivalent.
• The entire signature must be contained within the signature area of the document.

According to MPEP 402.03: A handwritten signature must be personally applied by the signer. See 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1).

It’s important to note that while handwritten signatures are accepted, the USPTO encourages electronic filing and signatures for efficiency and accuracy in processing applications.