1613.08(a)    Persons Who May Sign Affidavit or Declaration

Under 37 C.F.R. §7.37(b), the §71 affidavit or declaration must include a statement that is signed and verified (sworn to) or supported by a declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20  by a person properly authorized to sign on behalf of the holder.  A person who is "properly authorized to sign on behalf of the holder" is:  (1) a person with legal authority to bind the holder; (2) a person with firsthand knowledge of the facts and actual or implied authority to act on behalf of the holder; or (3) an attorney as defined in 37 C.F.R. §11.1  who has an actual written or verbal power of attorney or an implied power of attorney from the holder.  37 C.F.R. §§2.193(e)(1), 7.37(b).

Generally, the USPTO does not question the authority of the person who signs a verification unless there is an inconsistency in the record as to the signatory’s authority to sign.   See TMEP §611.03(a).