How can patents be assigned?

Patents and patent applications can be assigned through a written instrument. The MPEP 301 states:

‘Applications for patent, patents, or any interest therein, shall be assignable in law by an instrument in writing.’

This means that patent rights can be transferred from one party to another through a written document. The assignment must be recorded with the USPTO to be effective against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees.

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