Who is required to sign a certified copy to validate it?

To validate a certified copy, it is essential that it is signed by an authorized certifying officer. This individual holds the authority to authenticate the document, ensuring it meets the necessary legal standards for certification. The role of the certifying officer is crucial because they are specifically designated to verify that the document accurately represents the official records of the trademark office.

In contrast, while the trademark attorney may be involved in the application or representation process, their signature does not suffice for certification purposes. Similarly, the applicant themselves may have a vested interest in the document but do not possess the authority to certify it. Lastly, a general employee of the trademark office lacks the necessary designation to validate a certified copy unless they are specifically authorized as a certifying officer. Understanding these roles underscores the importance of proper authority in the certification process within trademark applications.