# The fact that it's called an S-Signature does not mean we have to accept "S" as your signature.
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [August 7, 2012, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791 "2012-08-07T22:02:52Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [August 7, 2012, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/1 "2012-08-07T22:02:52Z")
And an “S” hardly meets the “resonably specific” requirement. Here’s an idea: just put your name there instead of filing a petition!
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### Author:  [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)
#### Post date: [August 7, 2012, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/2 "2012-08-07T22:05:39Z")
What?
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [August 7, 2012, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/3 "2012-08-07T22:16:13Z")
Work rant concering a too-literal patent attorney.
/s/
Lute Skywatcher
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### Author:  [@BottledBlondJeanie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BottledBlondJeanie)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/4 "2012-08-08T23:23:50Z")
:: confused:: it’s standard for federal ecf filling and used in several states where e-filing is allowed…?
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [August 9, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/5 "2012-08-09T17:01:51Z")
I checked our rules and all available examples of acceptable signatures; /s/ isn’t listed anywhere. I even checked with my supervisor and all she did was send me those examples that I had already seen. Rather than resolve the issue quickly by replacing /s/ with /attorney name/, this guy decided to buck a petition up the ladder.
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### Author:  [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)
#### Post date: [August 9, 2012, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fact-that-its-called-an-s-signature-does-not-mean-we-have-to-accept-s-as-your-signature/630791/6 "2012-08-09T17:53:20Z")
A few months ago I went to a Big Lots store. Made my purchase with a credit card. When it came time to sign my name on that little electronic thing, I just took my finger and scribbled something and hit ‘ok’. (Like I always do)
Cashier: You can’t do that. You need to sign your name.
Me: Actually, I can.
Cashier: I’m going to print a reciept so you can sign your name sir.
Me: I don’t think so. [Grab my bag and head out]
Cashier: YOU CAN’T LEAVE WITH THOSE ITEMS SIR!
Me: Call the cops if you want. I’m leaving.
Ridiculous, I’ll sign my name any damn way I want.