How does the USPTO handle telephone and in-person requests for patent application information?

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The USPTO follows a strict procedure for handling telephone and in-person requests for information about unpublished pending or abandoned patent applications:

1. Obtain the caller’s full name, application number, and telephone number
2. Verify the caller’s identity and authority to receive information
3. Check Patent Data Portal or the application file to verify releasable information
4. Return the call using a verified telephone number

Information is only released to authorized individuals, such as the patent practitioner of record, inventor, applicant, or authorized representative of the assignee of record.