What are the signature requirements for replies when multiple parties are prosecuting a patent application?

When multiple parties are prosecuting a patent application, there are specific signature requirements for replies to the USPTO. The MPEP provides clear guidance:

“Each of these parties must sign all subsequent replies submitted to the Office.”

The MPEP also provides examples to illustrate these requirements:

• “If coinventor A has given a power of attorney to a patent practitioner and coinventor B has not, replies must be signed by the patent practitioner of A and by coinventor B.”
• “If coinventors A and B have each appointed their own patent practitioner, replies must be signed by both patent practitioners.”

These examples demonstrate that all parties involved in prosecuting the application must sign subsequent replies, whether they are inventors, attorneys, or agents. This ensures that all parties are aware of and agree to the content of communications with the USPTO.

To learn more:

• Patent Application
• USPTO
• Signatures
• Multiple Parties
• Replies