304.07   Signature of Electronic Mail

An applicant, registrant or attorney may sign an e-mail communication by entering a "symbol" that he or she has adopted as a signature between two slashes.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.193(c) and TMEP §611.01(c).

In addition, the USPTO will accept an e-mail communication containing the "/s/" ("/(signature)/") notation in lieu of a signature.  

A scanned image of a document signed in ink is also acceptable, as long as the image is attached in .jpg or .pdf format.

Under 37 C.F.R. §11.18(b), the use of an electronic signature under 37 C.F.R. §2.193(c) or an "/s/" notation, will be understood to constitute a certification that:

  • (1) The correspondence has been read by the applicant, registrant, or attorney;
  • (2) The filing of the correspondence is authorized;
  • (3) To the best of the signatory’s knowledge, information, and belief, there is good ground to support the correspondence; and
  • (4) The correspondence is not presented for purposes of delay.

The signatory must personally sign the communication.  37 C.F.R. §2.193(c)(1).  See TMEP §§611.02, 611.01(b), and 611.01(c).