How should I list an inventor’s name if they have only a single name?

If an inventor has only a single name, you should follow these guidelines:

• Enter the single name in the ‘Last Name’ field on the application data sheet (ADS).
• Leave the ‘First Name’ field blank.
• If using the inventor’s declaration form, enter the single name in the field provided for the legal name.

The MPEP 602.08(a) states: If an inventor does not have a middle name, the middle name space on the printed patent should be left blank and the name should be printed on the patent as the inventor indicated in the application, with no misspelling or other alteration.

To learn more:

• inventor name
• single name
• patent application