What is Power of Attorney?
When a registered attorney or agent acting in a representative capacity appears in person or signs a paper in practice before the Patent and Trademark Office in a patent case, his or her personal appearance or signature shall constitute a representation to the Patent and Trademark Office that under the provisions of the law, he or she is authorized to represent Georgetown University.
A power of attorney or POA is a legal document which authorizes someone to act on behalf of someone else. The person granting the power of attorney is known as the principal, granter, or donor, while the person authorized to act is called an agent, attorney-in-fact, or attorney, in some regions of the world. There are many different types of power of attorney, and these documents can be immensely useful and flexible. However, they can also be dangerous, especially for people who do not realize that they are agreeing to when they sign a power of attorney. The term “attorney” may be a bit confusing for people who live in nations where lawyers are referred to as attorneys. Attorneys-at-law, as they are more properly known, are legal professionals who have attended legal training and passed an examination to qualify to practice law. The attorney in a power of attorney is an agent empowered to act on behalf of someone else, but he or she cannot practice law.
An introduction to powers of attorney, including explanations of legal terms, different types of power of attorney documents, and other important information. Power of attorney is granted to an “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to give that individual the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated “principal.” The laws for creating a power of attorney vary from state to state, but there are certain general guidelines to follow. Before you or a loved one signs any documents, however, be sure to consult with an attorney concerning all applicable laws and regulations. The principal determines the amount of power given to the attorney-in-fact, and this individual can be given the authority to deal with only one particular issue (a specific power of attorney), or to handle most of the principal’s personal and financial matters (a general power of attorney).
