How can I access pre-1957 patent assignment records?
Pre-1957 patent assignment records are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), not the USPTO. According to MPEP 301.01:
“All assignment records from 1837 to April 30, 1957 for patents are now maintained and are open for public inspection in the National Archives Research Room located at the Washington National Records Center Building, 4205 Suitland Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746 and at the Civilian Records Division of the National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001.”
To access these records:
- Visit the National Archives website at www.archives.gov for information on how to obtain records from these locations.
- Be prepared to pay fees required by NARA for copies of records.
- Note that assignment records from before 1837 are not available.
The MPEP advises: “Since these records are maintained by NARA, it is more expeditious to request copies directly from NARA, rather than from the Office, which would then have to route the requests to NARA.”
To learn more: