Index: docs/HowToReleaseLLVM.rst
===================================================================
--- docs/HowToReleaseLLVM.rst
+++ docs/HowToReleaseLLVM.rst
@@ -320,8 +320,8 @@
 
 Below are the rules regarding patching the release branch:
 
-#. Patches applied to the release branch may only be applied by the release
-   manager.
+#. Patches applied to the release branch may only be applied with approval
+   from the code owner and the release manager.
 
 #. During the first round of testing, patches that fix regressions or that are
    small and relatively risk free (verified by the appropriate code owner) are
@@ -335,6 +335,24 @@
 #. For dot releases all patches must maintain both API and ABI compatibility with
    the previous major release.  Only bugfixes will be accepted.
 
+Nominating Patches for the Release Branch
+-----------------------------------------
+
+#. Send an email to llvm-commits and cc the code owner and release manager.
+   The email should contain the subject line:  **X.Y Merge Request: rXXXXXX**
+
+   Where X.Y is the LLVM version major and minor version, and rXXXXXX is the SVN
+   revision from trunk.
+
+#. If your email goes one week without a response, ping the patch.
+
+#. Once your patch has been approved by the code owner and the release manager
+   merge the patch into the release branch using the instructions below.
+
+#. If you don't have commit access or are unable to merge the patch, let the
+   release manager know.
+
+
 Merging Patches
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^