Legal Definitions - allograph

An allograph refers to a signature or writing made by one person (known as the agent) on behalf of another person or entity (known as the principal), with the principal's full authorization. In essence, the agent is acting as a proxy, and their writing or signature legally binds the principal, not the agent personally. This term is the opposite of an autograph, which is a person's own signature.

• Example 1: Executive Assistant Signing Routine Documents

  Imagine an executive assistant, David, whose manager, Ms. Chen, is frequently traveling for business. Ms. Chen has given David explicit authority to sign routine administrative documents, such as internal memos or confirmations for office supply orders, using a specific format that indicates he is signing on her behalf.

  When David signs a memo to staff regarding a new office policy, appending "P.P. Ms. Chen" (meaning "per procurationem," or "on behalf of Ms. Chen") next to his signature, that signature is an allograph. He is not signing for himself, but rather as Ms. Chen's authorized agent, making the memo legally attributable to Ms. Chen.

• Example 2: Power of Attorney for Property Transactions

  Consider Sarah, who holds a durable Power of Attorney for her elderly father, Mr. Thompson, who is no longer able to manage his financial affairs due to illness. Mr. Thompson needs to sell a small piece of land he owns.

  When Sarah signs the deed of sale for the land, writing "Mr. Arthur Thompson by Sarah Thompson, Attorney-in-Fact," her signature constitutes an allograph. She is signing on behalf of her father, and her signature legally transfers ownership of the property from Mr. Thompson to the buyer, as she is acting as his authorized legal agent.