Who can be named as an inventor on a patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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. According to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), an inventor must be a natural person. The MPEP states: “ 35 U.S.C. 100(f) defines the term ‘inventor’ as the individual or, if a joint invention, the individuals collectively who invented or discovered the subject matter of the invention.” This means that only individuals, not companies or artificial intelligence systems, can be named as inventors on a patent application. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Each Named Inventor Must Contribute to Claims MPEP 2109 Inventors Must Be Individuals MPEP 2109 Inventors Must Be Individuals MPEP 2109 Definition of Inventors for Joint Inventions MPEP 2109 Claim for 35 U.S.C. 120 Benefit Without Additional Notifications MPEP 2109 35 U.S.C. 120 Benefit Without Examination MPEP 2109 Permitted Inventors Must Be Individuals MPEP 2109 Inventors Must Be Individuals MPEP 2109 Definition of Joint Inventors and Coinventors MPEP 2109 Inventors Must Be Natural Persons MPEP 2109 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Is reduction to practice necessary to be considered an inventor? How does U.S. patent law differ from other countries regarding inventorship? What constitutes conception of an invention? What is the definition of joint inventorship? What happens if a joint inventor refuses to join a patent application?