Who can apply for a patent?

• A. Parents and relatives
• B. Inventor or authorized representative
• C. Agent
• D. Lawyer

Answer: (B)

The right to file a patent application sits with the inventor or someone the inventor specifically authorizes to act on their behalf. The inventor is the originator of the invention and has the initial entitlement to seek protection; if the rights are assigned to a company or another entity, that entity can file through an authorized representative. Filing by someone else requires formal authorization, typically through a power of attorney, or representation by a licensed patent agent or attorney who is recognized by the patent office. That combination—inventor or authorized representative—accurately covers who can legally initiate the patent process. Broad relatives usually lack inherent authority, and a generic “agent” or “lawyer” must have explicit authorization to act for the inventor or assignee.