What happens if an unavailable joint inventor refuses to sign an oath or declaration?

What happens if an unavailable joint inventor refuses to sign an oath or declaration?

If an unavailable joint inventor refuses to sign an oath or declaration, the applicant may file a petition under 37 CFR 1.183 to waive the requirement for that inventor’s signature. According to MPEP 409.03(a):

‘If a nonsigning inventor refuses to sign the oath or declaration or cannot be reached, the oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.63 by the remaining joint inventor(s) must state that the nonsigning inventor is either refused to sign or could not be reached after diligent effort to contact him or her.’

The petition should include evidence of the attempts made to contact the unavailable inventor and any responses received. The Office will then determine whether to grant the petition based on the circumstances presented.

To learn more:

• joint inventor
• oath
• declaration
• refusal to sign
• petition