What are the requirements for signing amendments in patent applications?

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.

Amendments and other papers filed in a patent application must be signed by specific individuals as outlined in 37 CFR 1.33(b):

1. A patent practitioner of record
2. A patent practitioner not of record who acts in a representative capacity under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.34
3. The applicant (37 CFR 1.42)

It’s important to note that for juristic entities (e.g., corporations), 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3) specifies:

“Unless otherwise specified, all papers submitted on behalf of a juristic entity must be signed by a patent practitioner.”

This requirement ensures that juristic entities are properly represented in patent proceedings.