What is the purpose of recording documents other than assignments at the USPTO?

Recording documents other than assignments at the USPTO serves several important purposes:

• Provides public notice of the existence of the document
• Establishes legal priority in certain situations
• Protects the interests of parties involved in patent-related transactions
• Facilitates the transfer and licensing of patent rights

MPEP 313 states: “The recording of such documents is not mandatory. However, if they are not recorded in the Office, they are not enforceable against a subsequent purchaser or mortgagee for valuable consideration, without notice, unless recorded in the Office prior to the subsequent purchase or mortgage.”

This highlights the importance of recording these documents to protect the interests of all parties involved in patent-related transactions.