What is the significance of an electronic signature on a patent Office action?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 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 electronic signature on a patent Office action is significant because it officially authenticates the document. The MPEP 707.09 states that The electronic signature of the Supervisory Patent Examiner, Primary or other authorized examiner is inserted to sign Office actions. This electronic signature serves as a legal validation of the Office action, indicating that it has been reviewed and approved by an authorized examiner before being issued to the applicant or their representative. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Supervisory Examiner Must Sign Office Actions MPEP 707.09 Office Actions Must Be Signed Promptly MPEP 707.09 Recommended Office Actions for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 707 First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Office Actions for Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 707 First Office Action Requires Informal Patent Application Notice MPEP 707 Response to Office Actions Requires Specific Information MPEP 707 Recommended Office Action Includes Disclosures and Allowable Subject Matter MPEP 707 Permitted First Office Action Summary Required MPEP 707 Permitted Examiner Must Thoroughly Study and Investigate Patent Applications MPEP 707 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Who signs Office actions in patent examinations? Can a non-primary examiner sign an Office action? How quickly are Office actions signed at the USPTO? What is the significance of 35 U.S.C. 301 in citing prior art? How should examiners address asserted advantages claimed by applicants?