USPTO Launches New Group to Safeguard Patent System Integrity

The new USPTO working group on fraud is a crucial reminder to those interacting with the USPTO of why we are vigilant about signatures, including:

• requiring the practitioner themselves (not their paralegal) to insert their signature on papers for USPTO filing;
• not allowing a paper to be revised after the practitioner has signed it; and
• requiring inventors to insert their e-signatures (on Declarations, for example) between slashes and/or otherwise in compliance with the USPTO’s recent signature requirements.

Miller Johnson’s patent team continues to monitor developments at the USPTO. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to consult with counsel.