How can a patent be issued to an assignee?

A patent can be issued to an assignee in two main ways:

• Before paying the issue fee: The assignee can submit a request for issuance in their name along with the issue fee payment. The assignment must be previously recorded or stated to have been filed for recordation.
• After paying the issue fee: A request can be submitted after the issue fee payment, but it requires additional steps and fees.

According to MPEP 307, “Normally, for a patent to issue to an assignee (other than an assignee who is the applicant in an application filed on or after September 16, 2012), a request for issuance of the application in the name of the assignee must be filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) at a date not later than the day on which the issue fee is paid.”

For more information on issue fee, visit: issue fee.

For more information on patent assignment, visit: patent assignment.

For more information on patent issuance, visit: patent issuance.