Who is responsible for disclosing information to the USPTO?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. According to MPEP 2002.01 , the responsibility for disclosing information to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can fall on several parties: Attorneys or agents of record Pro se inventors (inventors representing themselves) Other individuals who disclose information to the attorney, agent, or inventor The MPEP states: “37 CFR 1.56(d) makes clear that information may be disclosed to the Office through an attorney or agent of record or through a pro se inventor, and that other individuals may satisfy their duty of disclosure to the Office by disclosing information to such an attorney, agent, or inventor who then is responsible for disclosing the same to the Office.” It’s important to note that only material information needs to be disclosed. As the MPEP clarifies, “Information that is not material need not be passed along to the Office.” Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Non-Material Information Need Not Be Disclosed to Office MPEP 2002.01 Duty of Disclosure to Adopt But-For Materiality Standard MPEP 2000 Duty to Disclose Material Information to USPTO MPEP 2000 Duty to Disclose Material Information to USPTO MPEP 2000.01 Duty to Disclose Through Record-Keeping Agent MPEP 2002.01 Permitted Individuals May Disclose Information to Patent Agent MPEP 2001 Permitted Duty of Disclosure Materiality Revised Based on Therasense MPEP 2000 Guidance on Compliance with Duty of Disclosure Regardless of Materiality Standard MPEP 2000 But-For Materiality for Duty of Disclosure MPEP 2000.01 But-For Materiality for Duty of Disclosure MPEP 2000.01 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can inventors disclose information directly to the USPTO? Are there any...