How are assignment records made accessible to the public?
The USPTO makes assignment records accessible to the public in several ways, as described in 37 CFR 1.12: Separate assignment records for patents and trademarks are maintained and are open to public inspection. Assignment records, digests, and indexes for patents are available on the USPTO website. Images of assignment documents recorded from June 1998 onwards…
Read MoreHow can someone obtain copies of assignment records for pending or abandoned applications?
The process for obtaining copies of assignment records for pending or abandoned applications depends on whether the application is open to the public. The MPEP states: ‘Copies of assignment records relating to pending or abandoned patent applications which are open to the public pursuant to 37 CFR 1.11 or for which copies or access may…
Read MoreHow can the public access patent ownership information?
While the public cannot request title reports directly, they can obtain patent ownership information through other means. The MPEP notes: The public can request a certified abstract of title. The fee for this service is set forth at 37 CFR 1.19(b)(4). Additionally, some assignment records are publicly available. For more information on accessible records, refer…
Read MoreCan I access assignment records for unpublished patent applications?
Access to assignment records for unpublished patent applications is restricted. The MPEP states: “For pending or abandoned applications which are not open to the public pursuant to 37 CFR 1.11 or for which copies or access may not be supplied pursuant to 37 CFR 1.14, information related thereto is only obtainable upon a proper showing…
Read MoreCan assignment records be expunged from the USPTO database?
Expungement of assignment records is extremely rare and does not result in the complete removal of a document from the assignment records. According to MPEP 323.01(d), petitions to expunge are granted only if: Normal corrective procedures are inadequate The integrity of assignment records won’t be affected Even if granted, “the image of the recorded document…
Read MoreHow do I request copies of patent assignment records?
To request copies of patent assignment records, follow these steps: For records after May 1, 1957: Contact the USPTO and pay the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19. For records before May 1, 1957: Contact the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) directly. For recent records: Check the USPTO website for online availability. When…
Read MoreWhat information is available in the USPTO’s assignment database?
What information is available in the USPTO’s assignment database? The USPTO’s assignment database contains a wealth of information related to patent ownership. According to MPEP 301.01: ‘The USPTO maintains a database containing the assignment records of patents and patent applications. The USPTO also maintains a cumulative index of number of assignments recorded on the day…
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