Apostille For Patent Documents

Apostille for federal licenses that verifies the authenticity of a public document. It is used to avoid requiring a lengthy and expensive legalization process that would require the document to go through the country of origin’s embassies or consulates. Apostilles are only valid for documents that (a) were issued in a country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, and (b) will be used in a different country that also is a member of the convention. Other types of documents may require a legalization instead.

There are three primary types of documents that can be authenticated: private documents (individual or corporate); state/county-issued; and federally-issued. Each type of document is affixed with an authentication or apostille in a slightly different manner. For example, if a federal document is required for use in a foreign jurisdiction, the document must be certified with the seal and authorized signature of the appropriate U.S. Department of State office, and then mailed or personally delivered to the U.S. Department of State Authentication office in Washington, DC for an authentication or apostille. For more information on this process, visit the U.S. Department of State apostille page for cost, requirements and address information.

Apostille for Patent Documents: Protecting Intellectual Property

Whether or not your document needs an apostille or full legalization depends on which government agency issued it, the country you plan to use it in and how your document will be used. If you are unsure whether or not your document will require authentication or legalization, contact the intended recipient to see what their requirements are.