How does the USPTO verify an assignee’s right to inspect a patent application?

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.

The USPTO verifies an assignee’s right to inspect a patent application through documentation. As per MPEP 106.01, the assignee must provide either a copy of the assignment recorded in the USPTO or other evidence of ownership. This documentation is necessary to establish the assignee’s legal right to access the confidential information contained in the patent application.