What is the process for signing and scanning patent examiner actions?

The process for signing and scanning patent examiner actions involves several steps:

1. The assistant examiner (if any) initials the original action.
2. The authorized signatory examiner signs the action.
3. The signed action is soft scanned into the image file wrapper.
4. After scanning, the action is made available electronically or mailed as copies.

According to MPEP 707.12: Access to the examiner’s action is given electronically or copies are mailed after the original, initialed by the assistant examiner, if any, and signed by the authorized signatory examiner, has been soft scanned into the image file wrapper. This process ensures that all actions are properly authorized and digitally recorded before being communicated to the applicant.

To learn more:

• patent examination
• office action
• signature process
• document scanning
• USPTO procedure