How should an inventor’s name be provided in a patent application?

The requirements for providing an inventor’s name in a patent application have evolved:

• For applications filed on or after September 16, 2012: 37 CFR 1.63 requires the inventor to be identified by their legal name.
• For applications filed before September 16, 2012: The full name was required, including family name and at least one given name without abbreviation.

The MPEP clarifies: “For nonprovisional applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, 37 CFR 1.63 requires the identification of the inventor by his or her legal name.”

If an inventor’s full given name is a singular letter or letters (e.g., “J. Doe” or “J.P. Doe”), this should be explained in the oath or declaration to avoid objections.

For name corrections or changes after filing, a request under 37 CFR 1.48(f) is required, which includes submitting an application data sheet and a processing fee.

To learn more:

• inventor name
• patent application requirements
• legal name

To learn more:

• name format
• MPEP guidelines