What is the purpose of the cover sheet in patent assignments?
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.
The cover sheet serves as a crucial document in the patent assignment process. Its primary purpose is to provide essential information about the assignment in a standardized format. According to MPEP 302.05, one of the key pieces of information that must be included on this cover sheet is the assignee’s address:
The address of the assignee … must be given in the required cover sheet.
The cover sheet ensures that the USPTO has accurate and readily accessible information about the assignment, including details about the assignee, which is critical for maintaining proper records and facilitating communication regarding the patent.