1005 Exceptions to Partial Signatory Authority [R-07.2015]

Examiners who are delegated partial signatory authority are expected to sign their own actions with the exception of the following actions which require the signature of a primary examiner, Technology Center Director, or practice specialist:

1. Allowances (MPEP § 1302.13).

2. Examiner's amendments (MPEP § 1302.04).

3. Quayle actions (MPEP § 714.14).

4. Final rejections (MPEP §§ 706.07 and 803.01).

5. Withdrawal of final rejection (MPEP §§ 706.07(d) and 706.07(e)).

6. Actions on amendments submitted after final rejection (MPEP § 714.12).

7. Examiner’s answers on appeal (MPEP § 1207).

8. Actions reopening prosecution (MPEP § 1214.07).

9. Requests for withdrawal from issue (MPEP § 1308).

10. 37 CFR 1.312 amendments (MPEP § 714.16).

11. Rejection of previously allowed claim (MPEP § 706.04).

12. Final holding of abandonment for insufficient reply (MPEP § 711.03(a)).

13. Actions based on affidavit or declaration evidence (for example, under 37 CFR 1.130(a) (MPEP § 717.01(a) et seq.), 37 CFR 1.130(b) (MPEP § 717.01(b) et seq.), 37 CFR 1.131(a) (MPEP § 715.08), 37 CFR 1.131(c) (MPEP § 718), or 37 CFR 1.132 (MPEP § 716)).

14. Suspension of examiner’s action (MPEP § 709).

15. Reissue applications (e.g., decisions on reissue oath or declaration, MPEP § 1444).

16. Requests for an extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(b), (MPEP § 710.02(e)).

17. Reexamination proceedings (MPEP § 2236).

18. International Preliminary Examination Reports (MPEP § 1879).

19. Actions suggesting claims for interference purposes (MPEP §§ 2304.04, 2304.04(b)).

20. Suggesting an interference (MPEP § 2302).

21. Actions involving copied patent claims (MPEP § 2304.04(b).