What condition must be met for an assignment to be recordable?

For an assignment to be recordable with the USPTO, it is essential that it is an original or certified copy. This requirement ensures that there is a verifiable, reliable document demonstrating the transfer of rights. The original or certified copy provides the necessary authenticity and credibility to the assignment, which protects both the assignor and assignee's interests.

Recordation serves a public notice function, allowing third parties to be aware of the ownership status of a patent. Only original or certified documents maintain the formal integrity that the USPTO requires for official records. This is crucial in patent law, where ownership rights can significantly impact the rights to enforce or license the patent.

Other options do not accurately reflect the necessary conditions for recordability; for instance, having a summary of the patent's market value does not affect the assignment's validity, nor is there flexibility in terms of formatting requirements for recordation. Additionally, while signatures from involved parties are important, it is not sufficient alone for recordability without the verification aspect that comes from having an original or certified copy.