What are the signature requirements for papers filed by a juristic entity in a patent application?

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.

For papers filed by a juristic entity (e.g., corporation) in a patent application:

• A person authorized to act on behalf of the juristic entity must sign.
• The signer’s name and title must be included.
• The papers must state the signer’s capacity to sign for the juristic entity.

The MPEP states: Papers filed on behalf of juristic entities must be signed by a patent practitioner. 37 CFR 1.33(b)(3). (MPEP 402.03)

For example, a proper signature might look like: ‘John Smith, President, Corporation XYZ, authorized to sign on behalf of Corporation XYZ’.