What must be included in a document to record an assignment at the PTO?

The requirement that a document submitted for recording an assignment at the USPTO must be in English and be an original or a certified copy is fundamental to the procedural standards set by the office. Legal documents, such as assignments, need to be clearly understood by everyone involved in the patent process, including patent examiners, who need to assess the authenticity and validity of the assignment.

Additionally, the USPTO requires that these documents be either original or certified copies to ensure that there is a reliable and verifiable record of the assignment. Providing an original or a certified copy helps maintain the integrity of the records and ensures that the assignment is legitimate and properly documented.

While the other options may contain elements that could be useful or important in certain contexts, they do not meet the specific requirements outlined by the USPTO for the recording of assignments. For instance, digital signatures are not mandated specifically for the recording process, nor is notarization necessary. Addressing a document to the USPTO is a common practice, but the primary legal requirements focus on language and the type of document presented for recording.