Which of the following correctly identifies a person who may apply for a patent?

• A. Parents and relatives
• B. Inventor or authorized representative
• C. Agent
• D. Public relations firm

Answer: (B)

Filing a patent application hinges on who is authorized to seek patent rights. The person who may apply is the inventor themselves, because they own the invention, or an authorized representative who has been given power of attorney to file and prosecute the application—typically a patent attorney or patent agent. This ensures that the filing is done correctly and that the applicant’s rights are properly represented before the patent office. Family members or relatives do not automatically have filing rights, and a public relations firm has no role in the legal process of obtaining patent protection. An agent is allowed to file only if they have been explicitly authorized by the inventor or applicant; the term “authorized representative” covers that arrangement.