When are patent application records available to the public?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 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. Patent application records may be available to the public in the following situations: Patented applications and statutory invention registrations Published abandoned applications Published pending applications Unpublished abandoned applications that are identified or relied upon Unpublished pending applications whose benefit is claimed Unpublished pending applications that are incorporated by reference or otherwise identified For specific details on each situation, refer to 37 CFR 1.14(a)(1)(i)-(vi). Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Published Abandoned Application File Available to Public MPEP 102 Required Patented Application Files Available to Public MPEP 102 Required Access to Published Abandoned Patent Application Files MPEP 102 Required Public Access to Patented Application Files MPEP 102 Required Access to Unpublished Pending Applications with Claimed Benefits Required MPEP 102 Required Access to Unpublished Pending Applications with Claimed Benefits MPEP 102 Permitted Access to Unpublished Pending Applications Allowed Upon Request MPEP 102 Permitted No Access to Published Pending Application File Except as Specified MPEP 102 Required Access to Published Patent Application Files Required MPEP 102 Required Third Party Access to Unpublished Patent Applications MPEP 102 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can USPTO personnel determine the current location or status of an application? What information can be provided about provisional applications? What information can be obtained about a pending application under MPEP 102? What information can be provided about pending or abandoned applications? What information is considered &#821...