What are the requirements for the cover sheet accompanying an assignment document?

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 37 CFR 3.31, the cover sheet for patent assignments must contain:

• Name of the party conveying the interest
• Name and address of the party receiving the interest
• Description of the interest conveyed or transaction to be recorded
• Identification of the patent or application
• Name and address for correspondence
• Date of execution
• Signature of the party submitting the document

For joint research agreements, the cover sheet must also:

• Identify the document as a ‘joint research agreement’
• Indicate the name of the patent owner
• Indicate the names of other parties to the agreement
• Indicate the date the agreement was executed

The MPEP notes that Form PTO-1595, Recordation Form Cover Sheet, may be used as the cover sheet for recording documents relating to patent(s) and/or patent application(s) in the Office.

For more information on Assignment cover sheet, visit: Assignment cover sheet.

For more information on patent assignment, visit: patent assignment.