What are the requirements for submitting assignment documents by fax to the USPTO?
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.
According to MPEP 302.09, there are specific requirements for submitting assignment-related documents by fax:
- An identified application or patent number
- One cover sheet to record a single transaction
- Payment of the recordation fee by credit card or USPTO Deposit Account
The MPEP states: Any assignment-related document for patent matters submitted by facsimile must include: (A) an identified application or patent number; (B) one cover sheet to record a single transaction; and (C) payment of the recordation fee by a credit card (use of the Credit Card form, PTO-2038 (see MPEP § 509), is required for the credit card information to be kept separate from the assignment records) or a USPTO Deposit Account.
It’s important to note that certain documents cannot be submitted via fax, such as assignments submitted with new patent applications or documents with multiple cover sheets.