USPTO broadens types of electronic signatures allowed for patent correspondence

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Patent Alert

USPTO broadens types of electronic signatures allowed for patent correspondence

To provide better customer service, reduce barriers to practice before the office, and enhance patent harmonization with other intellectual property (IP) offices around the world, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a final rule that broadens the types of electronic signatures allowed for patent correspondence. Beginning on March 22, 2024, a person signing patent correspondence will be able to electronically sign using third-party document-signing software, such as DocuSign®, Acrobat® Sign, or others that follow certain specifications.

“The change will provide additional flexibility and convenience to patent applicants and owners, practitioners, and other parties who sign patent-related correspondence, and promote consistency by establishing signature requirements which are common to both patent and trademark matters,” remarked Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “The rule addresses stakeholder input received, including during multilateral forums such as IP5 and Trilateral, and will enhance harmonization of practices and procedures amongst intellectual property offices globally.”

You can find the full text of the final rule in the Federal Register and on the USPTO’s Patent Related Notices webpage. The final rule will be effective March 22, 2024.

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