Who can sign documents on behalf of an assignee organization?

When an assignee is an organization (e.g., corporation, partnership, university), specific individuals are authorized to sign documents on its behalf. According to MPEP 325, the following persons can sign submissions under 37 CFR 3.73(c):

1. A person with apparent authority to sign on behalf of the organization. This typically includes officers such as the CEO, president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer.
2. Any person, if the submission clearly indicates that the person is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee.
3. A patent practitioner of record.
4. A person empowered by an organizational resolution, if a copy of the resolution is submitted.

The MPEP states: “An officer (chief executive officer, president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer) is presumed to have authority to sign on behalf of the organization. The signature of the chairman of the board of directors is acceptable, but not the signature of an individual director.”

It’s important to note that for juristic entities, many actions in patent matters must be signed by a registered patent practitioner after September 16, 2012.

For more information on corporate officers, visit: corporate officers.

For more information on patent documents, visit: patent documents.