Who can sign final Office actions containing a final requirement for restriction?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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 MPEP 803.01 , only examiners with specific signatory authority can sign final Office actions containing a final requirement for restriction: “Only an examiner with permanent full signatory authority or temporary full signatory authority may sign final Office actions containing a final requirement for restriction.” This requirement ensures that experienced examiners review and approve these important decisions. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examiner with Partial Signatory Authority May Sign Non-Final Restriction Actions MPEP 803.01 Permitted Final Restriction Requires Full Signatory Authority MPEP 803.01 Permitted Final Restriction Requirement Must Be Signed by Examiner with Full Signatory Authority MPEP 803.01 Requirement for Showing Serious Search Burden MPEP 803 Permitted Requirement for Showing Non-Prior Art Issues for Separate Inventions MPEP 803 Permitted Requirement for Prima Facie Showing of Serious Search/Examination Burden MPEP 803 Permitted Requirement for Serious Search Burden MPEP 803 Required Obviousness Admission Requires No Restriction MPEP 803 Required Criteria for Restricting Markush Claims MPEP 803 Restriction Practice for Genus-Species Claims MPEP 803 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can examiners with partial signatory authority issue restriction requirements? What is the legal basis for restriction requirements in patent applications? What is the purpose of carefully administering restriction requirements? How does the USPTO protect applicants from improper restriction requirements? No Additional FAQs