What are the signature requirements for documents submitted through EFS-Web?

For documents submitted through EFS-Web, the USPTO accepts electronic signatures. According to MPEP 402.03:

Any paper filed in the Office in a patent application, patent file, or other proceeding which is not signed as required by 37 CFR 1.4(d) or (e) will be considered unsigned, and will be treated in accordance with 37 CFR 1.4(d)(1).

The USPTO specifically recognizes S-signatures for EFS-Web submissions. An S-signature is a signature inserted between forward slash marks, like so: /John Smith/. It’s important to note that the signer must manually type their name or use a facsimile or handwritten signature inserted between the slashes.

To learn more:

• EFS-Web
• electronic signatures
• S-signatures
• patent application
• USPTO