What are the requirements for signatures on USPTO documents?

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 has specific requirements for signatures on documents, as outlined in 37 CFR 1.4(d). Key points include:

• Signatures must be personally inserted by the signer or comply with specific electronic signature standards.
• The person inserting a signature certifies that it is their own signature.
• A person submitting a document signed by another must have a reasonable basis to believe the signature is authentic.

The MPEP states: The person inserting a signature under paragraph (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this section in a document submitted to the Office certifies that the inserted signature appearing in the document is his or her own signature.

For more information on patent application requirements, visit: patent application requirements.