What happens if not all joint inventors sign a power of attorney in a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 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 not all joint inventors sign a power of attorney in a patent application, the power of attorney is not effective. According to MPEP 402.10 : A power of attorney must be signed by all of the applicants, or all of the assignees of the entire interest, or all parties entitled to prosecute the application, unless otherwise specified. This means that for the power of attorney to be valid, it must be signed by all parties with the right to prosecute the application. If some inventors haven’t signed, the USPTO will treat the application as if no power of attorney has been appointed. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Requirement for Power of Attorney Form MPEP 402.10 Required Patent Practitioner or Joint Inventor Can Give Power of Attorney MPEP 402 Permitted Petition for Waiving Power of Attorney Requirement MPEP 402.10 Papers Giving or Revoking Power of Attorney Require Petition Approval MPEP 402.10 Required Joint Inventor Can Grant POA to Non-Practitioner MPEP 402 Powers of Attorney for Customer Number Practitioners MPEP 402 Permitted Refiling Power of Attorney When More Than Ten Practitioners Named MPEP 402 Recommended Attorney or Agent Representation Required for International Applications MPEP 402.09 Permitted New Power of Attorney Required for Wrong Registration Number MPEP 402 Required Attorney Must Be Authorized for Type of Patent Matter MPEP 402 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle conflicting powers of attorney in a patent application? What is considered a &#8216;good and sufficient reason&#8217; to revoke a power of attorney by less than all applicants? Can a power of attorney be signed by less than all applic...