What happens if an international patent application is filed without the applicant’s signature?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 4 Related FAQs 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. If an international patent application is filed without the applicant’s signature, it is considered a correctable defect. According to MPEP 1820 : “The international application can be filed without applicant’s signature on the request. The lack of any required signature on the request is a correctable defect under PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) and (b) , and can be remedied by filing a copy of the request (or, where the request has been signed by an agent, of a power of attorney) duly signed by the applicant within the time limit fixed by the receiving Office for the correction of this defect.” This means that applicants have an opportunity to provide the missing signature after the initial filing, within a specified time frame set by the receiving Office. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Missing Request Signature Correctable Under PCT Article 14(1)(a) MPEP 1820 Required Signature Not Required for International Application Request MPEP 1820 Permitted Request Must Be Signed by At Least One Applicant MPEP 1820 Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for PCT Article 14(1)(a)(i) MPEP 1820 Required Agent May Sign International Application MPEP 1820 Permitted Waiver of Separate Power of Attorney Requirement MPEP 1820 Waiver of Separate Power of Attorney Requirement MPEP 1820 Permitted Request May Be Original or Copy MPEP 1820 Permitted Signature of Applicant Required for International Application MPEP 1820 Single Applicant Signature Sufficient for Multiple Applicants MPEP 1820 Required Other Related FAQs 4 FAQs Collapse What types of signatures are accepted for international patent applications? Can an agent sign an international patent application? Who can sig...