What is an S-signature in USPTO correspondence and how is it formatted?

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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. An S-signature is an electronic signature used in correspondence with the USPTO. According to MPEP 502.02 , an S-signature must be formatted as follows: Inserted between forward slash marks: /John Doe/ Include the signer’s name For registered practitioners, include their registration number The signer’s name can be printed or typed The signature must comply with 37 CFR 1.4(d)(2) For example, a proper S-signature for a registered patent attorney might look like this: /John Q. Attorney, Reg. No. 12345/ This format allows for efficient electronic filing while maintaining the legal weight of a signature. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse S-Signature Must Be Inserted Between Forward Slashes MPEP 502.02 Required Signer’s Name Must Be Printed or Typed Adjacent to Signature MPEP 502.02 Required Patent Practitioner Must Provide Registration Number for Juristic Entity Applicant MPEP 502.02 Required S-signer Name Must Be Printed or Typed MPEP 502.02 S-Signature Must Be Between Forward Slashes MPEP 502.02 Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status in S-Signature MPEP 502.02 Required Design Patent Practitioner Must Indicate Status MPEP 502.02 Required Registration Number Must Be Adjacent to S-Signature MPEP 502.02 Required Hash Before Registration Number in S-Signature MPEP 502.02 Permitted Signature Must Include Design Status MPEP 502.02 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the consequences of an improper signature on patent correspondence? What is an S-signature in patent correspondence? What are the signature requirements for patent practitioners in correspondence with the USPTO? What are the signature requirements for correspondence in ...