How does the USPTO treat conditional assignments?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 3 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. The USPTO treats conditional assignments as absolute assignments for Office purposes. According to 37 CFR 3.56 : “Assignments which are made conditional on the performance of certain acts or events, such as the payment of money or other condition subsequent, if recorded in the Office, are regarded as absolute assignments for Office purposes until canceled with the written consent of all parties or by the decree of a court of competent jurisdiction.” The USPTO does not determine whether conditions have been fulfilled. Recording a conditional assignment is treated as signifying that the condition has been met. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 3 rules Collapse Nonrecordable Documents Returned with Explanation MPEP 317 Sender Can Petition for Unusual Case Recordation MPEP 317 Permitted Request Under 37 CFR 1.48 in Patent Treated as Petition MPEP 1481.02 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What information will be included with returned assignment documents? Can the period for resubmitting corrected assignment documents be extended? Can the USPTO determine if conditions in a conditional assignment have been fulfilled? Is a security agreement considered a conditional assignment? Can the original filing date be preserved for returned patent documents?